Jeff Call
- Sports Media Lab Manager, Brigham Young University
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Sports writer emeritus. Spent 26 years with the Deseret News. Now, I’m the sports media lab manager at Brigham Young University.
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Articles by Jeff Call
He dreamed of playing for BYU. Now he’s leading the team most likely to stand in the Cougars’ way Original
Marshall Hammond reflects on the day as “one of the happiest moments of my life.” Alongside about 25 family members and friends, he was sitting in the south end zone at Rice-Eccles Stadium last Sept. 20, watching his son’s No. 17 Texas Tech team battle No. 16 Utah in a nationally televised game on Fox. Will Hammond, a redshirt freshman quarterback, came off the bench in place of injured starter Behren Morton, who was injured on the Red Raiders’ first drive of the second half.
Danny’s dash, Jimmermania, a fruitless Final Four quest: BYU’s star-crossed March Madness history Original
BYU owns a checkered history in the NCAA Tournament, with plenty of black and blue marks to show for it. The Cougars have tasted both the sweet and the sour during March Madness. Some sweet moments. But mostly sour. For example, BYU ranks among the top 25 programs in all-time tournament appearances with 32, ahead of schools like Michigan, Virginia, Utah and Houston. But the Cougars also own the dubious distinction of having the most tournament appearances without a Final Four berth.
Commemorating BYU’s 50-year (1974-2024) bowl history: The good, the bad and the wacky Original
In the beginning — of the 20th century, at least — college football created bowl games. While the first bowl game occurred in 1902, it took a while for BYU to establish a tradition of bowling, with its first appearance coming in the 1974 Fiesta Bowl. The Cougars lost their first four bowl games. Today, BYU ranks among the top 25 of Division I programs with the most bowl appearances — 40 — and it has posted an overall record of 18-21-1. BYU’s 50-year bowl tradition continues on Dec.
How this BYU alum became the athletic director at an Ivy League school
NEW YORK CITY — Not long after Peter Pilling settled into his role as the athletic director at Columbia University, he sat in a cabinet meeting with then-President Lee C. Bollinger, surrounded by people who are respected experts and leaders in their various fields of endeavor. Pilling looked around and smiled. “I’m not worthy to be in this room,” he thought.
Tax Advisory Practices are Busier Than Ever: How to Keep Up
By Jeff Call, CEO, Bennett Thrasher. The tax advisory world is navigating a period of unprecedented demand. Firms with tax practices - including ours - are busier than ever, a trend driven by a combination of new tax laws, talent pool shortages, and IRS shifts. For firms to succeed, we must adapt our operational strategies to meet these challenges head-on. These are three key factors contributing to the increased demand for tax services: 1.
Dale Murphy still delivering the hits, just a different, delicious kind
There are plenty of baseball fans of a certain age that are disappointed that Dale Murphy isn't in the Baseball Hall of Fame. I'm one of them. In my humble opinion, it's a glaring omission. If anyone belongs in the Hall of Fame, it's Dale Bryan Murphy. Not just for what he accomplished, but how he accomplished it. I'm probably more than just disappointed. I'm upset. I would stage a protest and picket Cooperstown, but I'm sure he'd disapprove of such ostentatious behavior.
Dale Murphy still delivering the goods, just a different kind
There are plenty of baseball fans of a certain age that are disappointed that Dale Murphy isn’t in the Baseball Hall of Fame. I’m one of them. In my humble opinion, it’s a glaring omission. If anyone belongs in the Hall of Fame, it’s Dale Bryan Murphy. Not just for what he accomplished, but how he accomplished it. I’m probably more than just disappointed. I’m upset. I would stage a protest and picket Cooperstown, but I’m sure he’d disapprove of such ostentatious behavior.
Stanford's prize quarterback signee Tanner McKee is 6,000 miles away and not focused on football. Here's why
Editor's note: This story, originally published in 2019, is being repromoted in advance of Tanner McKee's return to Brazil as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. PARANAGUÁ, Brazil - Separated by more than 6,000 miles from home, and from the game that he loves, one of the top quarterback prospects in college football wakes up, kneels down on his bed, bows his head on a pillow and prays.
Britain Covey, Tanner McKee share connection that goes beyond the gridiron Original
Before becoming Philadelphia Eagles teammates, wide receiver/punt return specialist Britain Covey and backup quarterback Tanner McKee knew about each other but they had never met. A year ago, when McKee joined the team, they established a fast and strong connection, which isn't surprising since they have plenty in common.
Why Tanner McKee is looking forward to Eagles' historic 2024 NFL season opener in Brazil Original
Five years ago, Tanner McKee was striding through the streets of southern Brazil, wearing a white shirt, tie and black name badge representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as one of thousands of missionaries serving around the world.
Why Taysom Hill can't wait to play again with Jamaal Williams
During their years at BYU together, beginning in 2012, quarterback Taysom Hill and running back Jamaal Williams provided the Cougars with a dangerous and prolific one-two punch. They're forever linked in BYU lore. Now, they're back together in New Orleans. Hill has been with the Saints since 2017 and during the offseason, Williams signed with New Orleans. Hill loves that he's teammates with Williams again. "It's so much fun," Hill told the Deseret News.
What Taysom Hill is doing to stay game-ready
It's well-chronicled that during Taysom Hill's five seasons at BYU, he suffered four season-ending injuries. Because of that, back then many wondered if Hill, despite his otherworldly athletic abilities, had a future in the NFL. Could he stay healthy? But he's proven those doubters and detractors wrong. In fact, Hill has made his own distinct mark on the league. He's become the modern-day NFL poster boy for versatility, athletic prowess and uniqueness.
What Greg Wrubell says Hans Olsen will bring to BYU radio broadcasts this fall
As BYU enters a new era as a member of the Big 12, the longtime "Voice of the Cougars," Greg Wrubell, is getting a new broadcast partner this fall. Former BYU lineman Hans Olsen, who played in the NFL and has been working in radio for the past 17 years. "I'm very excited to be working with Hans this season. I've been really blessed to have Marc Lyons and Riley Nelson as broadcast partners. I feel equally fortunate to go from them to Hans Olsen," said Wrubell.
Meet the New Orleans Saints' 'athletic engineer,' who's helping keep NFL players like Taysom Hill on the field
That day a few years ago, when he walked into Alabama coach Nick Saban's plush office, Matt Rhea felt the same kind of unsettled nerves he experienced when he was a placekicker attempting game-winning field goals as a young athlete growing up in Tooele, Utah. Saban's corner workplace on the second floor of the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility off Bryant Drive has been dubbed the "Oval Office" of Tuscaloosa. There's a large wooden desk with a large Alabama logo embossed on the front.
These former rivals are now teaming up in Atlanta. But here's what you maybe didn't know
Leading up to the 2022 NFL draft, Brett Jewkes shared video clips of BYU running back Tyler Allgeier to Arthur Smith, the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, and the general manager, Terry Fontenot. Jewkes, a BYU graduate and fan, is the executive vice president and chief brand and communications officer of the Blank Family of Businesses that oversees the Falcons. He simply relished what Allgeier did for the Cougars and thought he would fit in well in Atlanta.
How this 'wide-eyed kid from Cache Valley' hit the big time
Turns out, the self-proclaimed "biggest BYU fan in Atlanta" didn't even start out as a BYU fan. Back in the 1970s and '80s, Brett Jewkes grew up in North Logan, Utah, as a diehard Utah State Aggie. As part of what he describes as an "idyllic" childhood, Jewkes spent weekdays playing whatever sport was in season and Saturdays attending every Aggies football game at Romney Stadium. When he listened to Craig Hislop call USU games on the radio, Jewkes wondered how he could get a job like that.
How summer workouts are going for BYU as it prepares for the Big 12
Not only is the BYU basketball program joining a new conference this season - the Big 12 - but it has welcomed some new, key players to the roster. Summer workouts are in full swing, and transfers Dawson Baker, Aly Khalifa and Ques Glover are in Provo, practicing with the Cougars as coach Mark Pope and his staff figure out how to blend the returnees and newcomers and foster an environment where chemistry and confidence can be established. "It's been really fun to get to know these new guys.
As Utes eye potential three-peat, there's still much to sort out in the Pac-12 Original
This article was first published in the Ute Insiders newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Wednesday night. There are unmistakable signs that the college football season is almost upon us. It's mid-July. It's broiling hot. People are taking summer vacations. The Fourth of July has come and gone. College football preview magazines fill the racks at the bookstores. Annual Pac-12 football media day will be held July 21 in Las Vegas.
Former Runnin' Ute back in the NBA Original
Former Utah basketball star Alex Jensen is on the move. For years, Runnin' Ute fans have hoped that Jensen would return to his alma mater in a coaching capacity. In 2021, during a search for a new head coach that ultimately was filled by Craig Smith, Jensen withdrew his name from consideration. Jensen had multiple conversations with athletic director Mark Harlan and "seriously considered" making a move back to the collegiate ranks, but ultimately decided against it, according to a source.
Why BYU basketball players can't wait to compete in 'a beast of a league' that is the Big 12
Last weekend in Provo, campus was filled with fireworks and parties as BYU reveled in officially joining the Big 12 Conference. The Big 12 is widely regarded as the toughest basketball league in the country. How did point guard Dallin Hall celebrate this monumental moment in BYU sports history? "I spent some time with my family, actually. Pretty low key," he said.
'We'll be the same but different': Tom Holmoe addresses start of Big 12 era Original
While BYU has been pining for Power Five membership for decades - and often looking like and having certain qualities of a Power Five program sans that status - the Cougars have been working diligently toward this achievement. Last Saturday, BYU officially joined the Big 12 Conference, along with UCF, Cincinnati and Houston. Now that the Cougars have arrived, athletic director Tom Holmoe says the priority is making the transition into a bonafide Power Five program - the BYU way.
What BYU's Tom Holmoe is saying now that the Cougars are officially members of the Big 12
When the clock struck midnight Friday night, the calendar turned to July 1, touching off a big celebration in Provo, commemorating BYU's official membership in the Big 12 Conference. Why not? For athletic director Tom Holmoe, and Cougar Nation, it's been a prolonged wait. While Saturday served up 24 hours of unrestrained joy in Provo, recognizing all of the decades of work that it required to get to this point, Holmoe knows that that work continues.
Where the Utes rank in The Athletic's statistical and simulation top-25 rankings Original
It's only the end of June, a couple of months before the start of the college football season, but that didn't stop The Athletic from releasing a projection of the Top 25 - based on advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes. Utah is the only local team ranked - at No. 14. According to this model, the Utes are projected to win nine games and they have a 17.5% chance at winning the Pac-12 championship. Utah is seeking its third-consecutive league title.
Why national college football writers see good things for 2023 Utes
This article was first published in the Ute Insiders newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Wednesday night. Football season is still a couple months away, but Utah football has been on the receiving end of some national notoriety recently. Both The Athletic and ESPN.com highlighted the Utes' place in the realm of college football. Every summer, The Athletic's Max Olson has reranked recruiting classes to determine which programs have maximized their talent pool.
Utah Athletics announces new 'Alliance' for donors Original
In April, the University of Utah announced the creation of the Crimson Collective, providing opportunities for Ute fans to help keep the football program competitive nationally, mainly through financial contributions. Thursday, the athletic department announced the launch of the Crimson Club Champions Alliance, a philanthropic membership society that aims to offer behind-the-scenes experiences and high-level access to Utah teams and events.
The Voice of the Cougars offers his perspective on BYU's imminent Big 12 membership Original
Greg Wrubell has seen - and talked about - a cornucopia of players, coaches and games, as well as big changes involving BYU sports, over the past few decades. It's been more than 30 years since Wrubell joined the broadcast crew as a sideline reporter on BYU football broadcasts back in the early 1990s, when the Cougars were members of the Western Athletic Conference.
Utah Athletics mourns loss of longtime trainer
From 1976 to 2008, Bill Bean served with the athletic training staff at the University of Utah and he became a member of both the Utah Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Training Association Hall of Fame. Bean, the former director of sports medicine, died on June 20. During his time at Utah, he helped thousands of student-athletes while he mentored many student athletic trainers.
'Great things to come': Utah working for a Pac-12 three-peat Original
Editor's note: Last in a series previewing each team in the Pac-12. Even amid the disappointment of losing a second straight Rose Bowl last January, ultra-competitive Utah coach Kyle Whittingham remained upbeat and resolved. Following that 35-21 setback to Penn State, Whittingham, who's entering his 19th season at the helm and is the second-longest tenured coach in the country, acknowledged what his team had accomplished while shifting his focus ahead.
In its final season in the Pac-12, can USC get past Utah roadblock? Original
Editor's note: Eleventh in a series previewing each team in the Pac-12. USC was enjoying a remarkable return to glory last season under first-year coach Lincoln Riley. That is, until the Trojans ran into Utah - twice. The Utes put a major damper on USC's rise, beating the Trojans once in overtime in Salt Lake City and again in the Pac-12 championship game in Las Vegas.
Who's going to replace DTR, Charbonnet at UCLA? Original
Editor's note: Tenth in a series previewing each team in the Pac-12. UCLA turned in a solid 9-4 campaign in 2022 - its best in five years under coach Chip Kelly. One of the highlights was a 42-32 victory at the Rose Bowl over eventual Pac-12 champion Utah in October. But UCLA has some major holes to fill if it is to continue the momentum it has built heading into the Bruins final season in the Pac-12. They must replace quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and running back Zach Charbonnet.
Can Colorado's 'Coach Prime' revive a moribund program? Original
Editor's note: Ninth in a series previewing each team in the Pac-12. It's been about six months since new Colorado coach Deion Sanders, aka coach Prime, delivered a fiery, (in)famous introductory speech - which has since gone viral - to his team. Actually, most of the players that attended that meeting that day are no longer on the team. But that was kind of the point.
Youngest coach in FBS comes home to lead Arizona State Original
Kenny Dillingham, the young prodigy, has returned home. The first-year Arizona State coach attended Chaparral High in Scottsdale, located just 11 miles north of Sun Devil Stadium. After various stops, including serving as Oregon's offensive coordinator last season, Dillingham accepted the head coaching job at his alma mater (he graduated in 2012) and, at age 32, he's the youngest head coach in the FBS. "It's a dream. It's unbelievable," Dillingham told The Athletic.
Is this the season Arizona returns to a bowl game? Original
The good news in Tucson is that Arizona football is improving. The bad news? Other programs in the Pac-12 are also on the rise. Still, the Wildcats, who finished 1-11 in coach Jedd Fisch's inaugural season in 2021, are no longer the conference doormat. Arizona posted a 5-7 mark last season. The goal for this fall is to get to a bowl game for the first time since 2017. Fisch agreed to a contract extension in December that will keep him in Tucson through the 2027 season.
Why Washington State is expected to be pass-happy again Original
Editor's note: Sixth in a series previewing each team in the Pac-12. Could Washington State be bringing back a version of the "Air Raid" offense this fall? The late Mike Leach brought the high-flying, pass-happy style to Pullman in 2012, producing tons of points, passing yards and entertainment. During the offseason, WSU coach Jake Dickert hired 27-year-old Ben Arbuckle, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the coaching profession, as the new offensive coordinator.
How quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is leading resurgent Washington Original
Editor's note: Fifth in a series previewing each team in the Pac-12. Under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, Washington exceeded expectations, finishing in a second-place tie in the Pac-12 standings in 2022 and a No. 8 ranking in the final Associated Press poll. The Huskies will be vying for a conference title again this fall and, maybe, a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Why the climb back to relevancy for Stanford football could prove to be difficult Original
Editor's note: Fourth in a series previewing each team in the Pac-12. After losing in the season finale at home against BYU, Stanford coach David Shaw resigned after 12 seasons at his alma mater. Shaw left the program as the winningest coach in Cardinal history, posting a 96-54 record. However, Stanford suffered back-to-back 3-9 campaigns. Since 2019, the Cardinal are just 14-28. It will be strange next fall to see someone other than Shaw stalking the sidelines for Stanford.
Will high-profile Clemson transfer give Oregon State's offense a big boost? Original
Editor's note: Third in a series previewing each team in the Pac-12. Oregon State's program continues to make strides under coach Jonathan Smith. The Beavers finished the 2022 season with a 10-3 record and a No. 17 ranking in the final Associated Press poll. Before the 2021 campaign, they hadn't experienced a winning season, or gone to a bowl game, since 2013. OSU posted a 7-6 record in 2021 and handed Pac-12 champion Utah its only conference setback that season.
What will Oregon's Bo Nix do for an encore? Original
Editor's note: Second in a series previewing each team in the Pac-12. Oregon coach Dan Lanning's first season at the helm started inauspiciously with a 49-3 drubbing at the hands of eventual national champion Georgia. But by early November, the Ducks were vying for a Pac-12 title and a shot at the College Football Playoff. Then came a couple of brutal losses as quarterback Bo Nix dealt with an injury.
Is Cal coach Justin Wilcox on the hot seat? Original
Editor's note: First in a series previewing each team in the Pac-12. ESPN.com recently published an article suggesting that California coach Justin Wilcox may be on the hot seat. The Bears posted a 4-8 record last season, after Wilcox signed a contract extension when he turned down an offer to take the head coaching job at Oregon. In six seasons under Wilcox, who proved himself as a successful defensive coordinator in previous stops, Cal has gone 30-36, including three consecutive losing campaigns.
As USC, UCLA begin their farewell tour, which Pac-12 teams have the best shot at dethroning the Utes? Original
No doubt, the 2023 football season marks the end of a long and distinguished era for the Pac-12 Conference. USC and UCLA are entering their final season in the league ahead of jumping to the Big Ten in 2024. The Trojans joined the Pac-12 in 1922, while the Bruins became members of the conference in 1928. That's a lot of history, tradition and memories. But the two programs from Los Angeles are moving on.
How big man transfer Aly Khalifa, 'The Egyptian Magician,' made connections with BYU
In the beginning, Aly Khalifa 's knowledge about BYU basketball came from unlikely sources. The 6-foot-11 center signed with the Cougars in mid-April after playing a couple of seasons at Charlotte and entering the transfer portal. At first glance, it would seem unlikely, too, that Khalifa, a Muslim from Alexandria, Egypt, would choose to compete for a school in the Rocky Mountains owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
2008 football team Original
Utah's 2008 Utah football team and former athletic director Chris Hill are among those that will be inducted into the school's athletic Hall of Fame this fall. The 2006 NCAA Elite Eight women's basketball team, men's basketball player Hanno Möttölä, women's basketball player Soni Adams, gymnast Annabeth Eberle, skier Anke Friedrich and distance runner Amanda Mergaert will also be enshrined. The induction ceremony will be held Friday, Sept. 22, at the Huntsman Center.
Utah runners eyeing NCAA titles this weekend Original
This article was first published in the Ute Insiders newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Wednesday night. Utah softball saw its magical season come to an end last weekend in Oklahoma City while Utah's distance duo of Simone Plourde and Emily Venters will be among those vying for titles in the NCAA's track and field championships this week in Austin, Texas.
Utah Athletics partners with NIL consultancy firm Original
Utah continues to make inroads in terms of name, image and likeness for its student-athletes. This week, Utah Athletics announced the Elevate U program is partnering with Accelerate Sports Ventures to serve as the school's official NIL consultancy. "We are excited to team up with Doug Fillis and Accelerate Sports Ventures," said Utah athletic director Mark Harlan in a statement. "Doug's background makes him uniquely qualified to understand and navigate the NIL landscape.
How well-traveled John Wardenburg ended up, once again, at BYU
From 2001-2010, John Wardenburg served as an assistant coach with the BYU men's basketball program. During that time, under coaches Steve Cleveland and Dave Rose, he helped recruit players like Lee Cummard and Jimmer Fredette to Provo and the Cougars won Mountain West Conference championships and competed multiple times in the NCAA Tournament. Wardenburg left in 2010 and coached all over the country at various levels. Now, he's returned to BYU.
After proving himself at UC Irvine, Dawson Baker is looking forward to proving himself at BYU
Just as BYU's basketball program has waited a long time to compete in a Power Five conference, recent signee Dawson Baker has also waited a relatively long time for the opportunity to play at the highest level. Growing up, the 6-foot-4, 190-pound guard from Coto de Caza, California, harbored hopes of playing college hoops, preferably at BYU. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he knows a lot of passionate Cougars fans and a few of his siblings have attended BYU.
What point guard Ques Glover brings to Big 12-bound BYU
It appears that BYU has its point guard as it enters the Big 12 era. Ques Glover, a 6-foot, 180-pound grad transfer from Samford University, fills several big needs for the Cougars - he's a lightning-quick, proven three-level scorer that can create his own shot, attack the rim, get to the free-throw line and take care of the basketball. His experience is expected to pay dividends for BYU as well.
What to know about Utah softball as it continues quest toward an NCAA title Original
It was another memorable and historic week in University of Utah sports. The softball team won its three-game Super Regionals series against San Diego State to capture its first Women's College World Series berth in 29 years in front of record-breaking crowds. The Utes overcame a loss in the first game Friday, bouncing back to win 10-1 Saturday and 7-2 Sunday. Ace pitcher Mariah Lopez was fantastic, and in the final two contests she received significant run support to eliminate the Aztecs.
What is future of San Diego State Athletics? Are the Aztecs Pac-12 bound?
For almost a year, dating back to when USC and UCLA announced that they are leaving the Pac-12 conference next summer for the Big Ten, San Diego State has been an expansion target for the Pac-12. The Aztecs make a lot of sense because the Pac-12 needs a presence in Southern California. On top of that, they've been successful in a number of sports, including football and basketball.
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