PROVO — It’s well-documented that when BYU has a healthy starting senior quarterback, the Cougars produce a special season.
It happened with guys like Marc Wilson, Jim McMahon, Steve Young, Steve Sarkisian, Brandon Doman, John Beck and Max Hall.
Can it happen with Taysom Hill?
Certainly Hill, who is coming off a season-ending leg injury, feels a sense of urgency.
“Realizing that I’m in such a small window of opportunity, I’m not going to be able to replicate this experience at any other time of my life,” he said. “Having that mentality will help me be a better football player.”
Said coach Bronco Mendenhall: “A lot of things have to come together for any team to have a great season. If you look at possibly what key ingredients might be, our quarterback is back and healthy and a senior — that gives you a great chance.”
BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe has said it’s no coincidence that the ambitious 2015 schedule, which features games against traditional powers Nebraska, UCLA, Michigan, and Missouri, comes during Hill’s senior season.
“I look at this schedule as very tough. Those big-time games are on the road,” Holmoe said. “But this schedule was built for a kid by the name of Taysom Hill. If we were ever going to play a tough schedule, I like him being behind center and the guys that are going to complement him. This is the time where you’ve got to go big as an independent, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Hill has been projected by some nationally as a Heisman Trophy candidate and his importance to the program can't be overstated. When Hill went down to injury last season, his absence left an enormous void and took an emotional toll on the team.
That’s why the Cougars are thrilled to have him back for one more season.
“He is the leader not only of the offense but of our team. We all look up to him,” said offensive lineman Ryker Mathews. “He’s a workhorse. We know if we protect him, we’re going to win games. That makes all the difference. Everyone has more confidence. Receivers know the ball’s going to be there. The O-line knows the ball’s going to get off when it’s supposed to. It changes everything.”
Hill is already the most prolific rushing quarterback in school history (2,140 career yards). He became the first BYU player — and the 23rd in NCAA history — to rush for 1,000 yards and pass for 2,000 in a season as a sophomore. Hill has also thrown for 4,338 yards in his career. At the time of his injury last October, he was completing 67 percent of his passes.
Wide receiver Terenn Houk expects Hill to spread the ball around even more this season.
“Taysom can’t just rely on one person. He’s come far in that. He’s been giving me the ball, he’s been giving other guys the ball,” Houk said. “I think that after being injured so much, he doesn’t want to run the ball so much. He wants to play out the reads and see everything that there is before actually having to run the ball. It’s really expanded our offense.”
Hill said he is always trying to hone his game.
“As long as I’m playing quarterback, my mindset will be making great decisions and getting the ball out on time,” he said. “Those are things I continue to work on.”
BYU linebacker Fred Warner has high hopes for Hill and the offense this season.
“I fully expect him to be the same guy he was,” he said. “I know they’ll do less running with him, but he’s going to be the same Taysom he’s always been. He’s going to make plays, he’s going to shake people up, he’s going to throw the ball downfield, he's going to be a playmaker.”
Quarterbacks coach Jason Beck said Hill looked like a senior quarterback during fall camp and has helped the freshmen QBs behind him.
“I’m really pleased with where Taysom’s at right now. He looks sharp. He’s making quick decisions and throwing the ball well. Obviously, he has a really good command of the offense. We’re able to utilize him with teaching the younger guys and passing that knowledge that he’s acquired from taking all those snaps down to the young guys. We’re continuing to push the envelope with the skill players we have back. It’s a lot of fun. He has a lot of experience behind him.”
And Hill is feeling like a senior quarterback.
“A lot of quarterbacks talk about it as they go into their senior year — the game just slows down. I have really felt that. My decision-making has been better and I’m seeing the rotations of the defense and making better decisions. I’ve been able to feel that and it’s helped us be better offensively.”
Beck was a teammate of John Beck when they were both senior quarterbacks in 2006. He said Hill possesses some of those traits John Beck had as a senior.
“The biggest similarity is playing at a really high level. I remember John’s senior year, he got through the progression quick and got rid of the ball fast to his third and sometimes his fourth option,” Jason Beck said. “He was really efficient. I’m seeing that same thing with Taysom. He’s working his way through the progression and getting the ball out quick through his reads just because of the experience of doing it so many times. It’s what I’ve noticed most. Senior quarterbacks like John and Taysom know that it’s their last season. They’re laying it all on the line to start fast and have a special year.”
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