I know that we need to hear from Taysom still that he is for sure back, but the KSL article bothered me enough to make me want to express my thoughts. I made this post already on another site in a reply because another man was feeling the same as I this morning, so sorry if you've seen this twice. anyways, here goes..

I read the KSL article and saw that 68% of fans would rather Tanner Mangum start next year, to which I wasn't surprised, but disagree. Let me propose a few questions for comparison.
I know Tanner is a wonderful quarterback with a VERY bright future over the next three years (if he stays that long; he looks to the NFL sooner), but is he in Heisman discussion when he takes the field? Was Taysom in Heisman discussion as a dark horse? (YES). Could Tanner become a Heisman contender in the future? Probably, but not right now and probably not next year. I'd say in his 3rd year (at the earliest) that talk could become real.
Here's the situation with our program: new coaches, new strategies, and a HARD schedule. It's going to take a minute to adjust, and we need the best to play against the competition. I'd be fine to let Tanner learn the offense as a backup and let Taysom have a year to wriggle things out. He is a competitor and I would have more confidence going to battle with him than anyone else. With Taysom, we have an additional dynamic to use and that is so important. Remember how we lost to Missouri because of their stout defense? it's because they made use one dimensional. Same with Michigan. With Taysom would could have done more and probably get the W against Missouri (we would have been at least closer against Michigan). Also, I don't expect this to happen but what I am about to propose would be the coolest thing I think BYU could do, why not keep Tanner involved in the offense? Play Taysom and sometimes to throw off defenses, let Tanner come in, stay apart of the team, and make a hand off or a quick pass to Taysom or vice versa for a double pass. Sounds like there's some fun possibilities there that keeps Tanner apart of the team.
IF Taysom hurts himself again, so be it. Tanner will come in. I don't think Tanner will be a baby about not taking the starting spot, nor will he feel betrayed. THIS IS SPORTS. You play the best player, and as a backup you still believe that you are the best, but you work at it. He'll be fine and in no way would he transfer because of hard feelings. If so, I'd lose respect for the poised Mangum (he won't, it wouldn't make sense).
Lastly, I just want to say, I question BYU fans understanding of football sometimes. WHY? because a lot of fans never played the game, and I don't think I am alone with this thinking (I've played for 10 years, highest level being a 4A-5A all-star game). After Taysom was 50% against Utah in 2013, students wanted his head. A flyer went around that said quarterback tryouts will be held and with people that are armless, never played, and etc qualify (kind of funny haha), but simply an overreaction. The following year, the student body fell in LOVE with him. I haven't seen so many man crushes except for Jimmer. We are so quick to tear down and move on and lack patience and understanding with situations, or quick to fall in love with the new shiny thing that is working! Taysom is an AMAZING, Heisman contending quarterback. playing him isn't going to slow down the programs progress. Just think about it cougarnation,
I'd love to see some friendly discussion about this. Counterarguments I expect would be, Taysom will get hurt again, not a good passer, doesn't fit the pro-style offense, Tanner will feel betrayed and hurt, we need to think of the future, and etc. If there are other arguments, I'd love to consider them. THANKS!