What about Brady Poppinga or any of the other former BYU football or basketball players that are on BYUtv or ESPN? I could name a huge group of players that got their start with either BYU related radio or television programs, that took them on to the next stage of broadcasting, sports radio, or other fields because of their unique insight that non BYU players would not have. Heck, the Utah Jazz have a former BYU football player on almost every game and he got his foot in the door through a BYU internship at KSL. Trevor Matrich at ESPN, Hans Olson, Criddle, and even a certain newly called Quorum of the 70 that got his broadcasting start due to his career as a Phil. Eagle fan favorite. Athletes have unique resumes having played the game and if I wanted to go into journalism or television, BYUtv has very advanced systems, has direct ESPN contacts, has an AD that can help with internships at ESPN, and can give him international television experience to put on his resume after he graduates with his Master’s degree. Brian Logan worked as a television personality for BYU for how many years after playing and can apply for bigger jobs saying his network is broadcast in over 100 countries. How many other universities can offer that to a former player that didn’t go on beyond a NFL tryout and is not a member of the predominant faith that owns the university? How many teams have their own channel with the quality of equipment that BYU does and is on ever cable and satellite provider in the US, let alone other countries?
I am still trying to see why you care so much but this kid has an extracurricular application resume highlight that very few other students applying have. This sets him apart from other students with similar grades, especially if he ends up having a decent career and is well liked by the fans.
Brian Logan was a really awesome football player to watch due to his size and ability, but he became a fan favorite because his heart and personality were huge. J Williams could have a huge career in broadcasting after his pro days are done because fans like him and he knows the game, just like Steve Young. (Lawyer, did he not deserve to get into law school?) These personalities are perfect for games and their knowledge gave them an attribute Spencer could never provide viewers because he never played.

Grad Programs want unique applicants and not just grades. This is especially true with the field he is looking at as a career. Unless the applicant is trying to go into the tech side, a former athlete with always get the nod over a non athlete in sports broadcasting. Look at TNT and what they have done with Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Webber, Miller, Shaq, and multiple other players. They are the top ranked show for a reason and it has nothing to do with Shaq’s doctorate oe degree in Criminal Justice. Ernie is great but the players make that show and he is the producer on and off screen.