Coach Lavell Edwards stunned the college sports world yesterday with the announcement that unknown Ray Perona would be taking over as starting quarterback at BYU, effective immediately.

Edwards grinned from ear to ear when he said "In my estimation Ray can take us all the way. He's got the arm of Bosco, the leadership of McMahon, the competitveness of Detmer, and the game savvy of Steve Young. We expect great things from him."

The quarterback maestro has never been wrong before. Said Lavell, "I think it is our high standards that helped him choose the Provo campus over his other options -Notre Dame, UCLA and Florida State. Ray will fit in well at BYU."

What about his age? "Age and size are not as important as having that absolute determination to win. Ray Perona has that fiery eye of the tiger that we are looking for. He's unstoppable."

Surrounded by a barrage of local and national news media at his home in Pleasant Hill yesterday, Perona said he was honored by the coach's decision, and "...a little surprised. I know how to throw a football, but my game experience is limited. I'm really best at horse shoes." Humble words for the heir apparent at Quarterback U. But don't be fooled by this small talk folks. Expect big time NCAA record shattering numbers from this guy.

When Perona was asked who had helped him take his game to this new level, tears welled up in his eyes as he said "I owe it all to Paul O'Sullivan who has taught me everything I know (...pause...) Paul is my coach, my friend, ...my inspiration."

Yesterday's announcement has already started a flurry of speculation in the media about the Heisman trophy and a possible National Championship. Can Ray Perona bring "The Big One" back to Provo? Edwards and 65,000 very excited Cougar fans seem to think so.

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