When they speak, we listen because of the effort they put out for us. – BYU linebacker Sae Tautu

PROVO — Of all the BYU seniors to be honored during this Saturday's regular season finale versus Utah State, quarterback Taysom Hill and running back Jamaal Williams will likely be the two most noted by fans. The two senior captains have been involved in some of the program's most prominent moments during their four years within the program, earning respect and praise from fans, coaches and most certainly their teammates.

"They are really important to us because we’ve seen them put their bodies on the line for us," said senior linebacker Sae Tautu, who will also be honored on Saturday. "How many quarterbacks do you know that are going to dip their shoulder and try to run over a middle linebacker? It’s not something you see every day. We love Taysom for that. We love the effort that he puts out for us. Same with Jamaal. I don’t know too many running backs in this country that pump their legs as hard as he does and fight for every blade of grass. When they speak, we listen because of the effort they put out for us."

Hill's career is noted for his extraordinary athleticism that has provided a good number of electrifying runs outside of the pocket. It's also a five-year stint fraught with frustration due to several injuries that have limited his ability to complete full seasons.

Special Collector's Issue: "1984: The Year BYU was Second to None"
Get an inclusive look inside BYU Football's 1984 National Championship season.

For Hill, however, his most memorable moment playing for BYU, and in particular at LaVell Edwards Stadium, was a moment that didn't involve one of his standout plays.

"I've had a lot of really good experiences in the stadium, and felt a lot of love from the fans, but I think the thing that stands out the most is was last year, when they all held up the number four," Hill said regarding last year's game against Boise State, when the entire student section held up signs with Hill's then no. 4 on them. "I wasn't in the stadium, but I saw the video, I saw the footage, and that single event probably stands out."

For Williams, he spent all of last season away from the program, but has returned in prime form and will finish his career as BYU's all-time leading rusher.

Williams has missed three of BYU's last four games with an ankle injury. Coaches are hopeful he will be available Saturday.

"As of right now everybody will play, but sometimes those things change, depending on how they feel after a full practice," said offensive coordinator Ty Detmer. "I've kind of learned, at this point, that you don't really plan on anybody until the game starts. But I'm hoping to have everybody."

Detmer also remarked that senior defensive end Harvey Langi will likely be used, in situational action, at running back for the second straight game.

AGGIES NOT TO BE OVERLOOKED: Saturday's game reads like a mismatch on paper: the 7-4 Cougars against the 3-8 Aggies, but BYU players and coaches are preparing for it as anything such.

"They have played in a lot of close games and have a lot of great athletes on the field. They’ve had some bad luck in some games," said BYU coach Kalani Sitake. "For us, you can’t focus on those games and what the result was. We need to focus on the great things they’ve done."

View Comments

Those great things involve an explosive offense and a defense that create a lot of problems for opposing quarterbacks, according to Sitake.

They have the ability as an offense to really hurt you in the air and also hurt you in the run game. That makes it difficult," he said. "And defensively, they’ve done a great job in pass defense. They actually create pressure on the quarterback, whether it’s a three-man, four-man or even the blitzes. They are well-coached guys and special teams, same thing. We’re expecting a great team to come into our stadium and look forward to playing that game."

Email: bgurney@desnews.com

Twitter: @BrandonCGurney

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.