Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
This is Part 1 of a four-part special by KSL Newsradio’s Cleon Wall to get Cougar football fans geared up for the upcoming season.PROVO — LaVell Edwards Stadium was electric when Taysom Hill threw his first-ever touchdown pass. Most people thought the speedy backup QB would run when he took the snap, but Hill tossed a perfect 18-yard pass to Kaneakua Friel in the end zone.
Cougar fans saw the potential, but that potential was put on hold a few weeks later when he injured his knee against Utah State in 2012. The potential greatness would have to wait for rehab.
The first game of 2013 season felt a lot like Hill’s knee that season: painful. He only completed 14 passes and threw a crucial interception that sent Virginia to a 19-16 victory over the Cougars.
Hill heard the criticism, but doesn’t remember any of it: “The negative publicity, I stay away from,” Hill said.
It proved beneficial the next week with his monster rushing game against Texas, but the rest of the season felt like a roller coaster. He tried to improve his accuracy while trying not to get beat up. His potential greatness was again on hold.
This season all eyes are on him.
It's an opportunity that's been fun for me. I've got a great supporting cast around me and they will help me to minimize my mistakes as well.
–Taysom Hill
Kyle Van Noy is not there to take attention away. Hill is the cover boy of BYU’s media guide and national publications say he’s one of the best players in the nation and worthy of some Heisman consideration.
He is the face of the Cougar franchise, but he’s not feeling the pressure.
“It’s an opportunity that’s been fun for me,” Hill said. “I’ve got a great supporting cast around me and they will help me to minimize my mistakes as well.”
KSL Cougar football analyst Mark Lyons said that could be the key to Hill’s success on and off the field. He said Hill feels like he’s just one of the guys and doesn’t feel the need to win games: “You never (hear) Taysom say, ‘I did this,’” Lyons said.
Cougar offensive coordinator Robert Anae has been pleased with Hill’s progress during fall camp. Anae has talked about how Hill has been able to accurately toss the ball down the field to speedy wide receivers, but he knows Hill will only go as far as his offensive line, which has had problems the past few seasons.
“He’s got the talent and the direction to be a great quarterback at BYU,” said Anae.
And that’s not faint praise. He played with Jim McMahon, Steve Young and Robbie Bosco. Plus, Anae has coached a few good QBs, too.
Hill has talked to a few of those quarterbacks, but never about the pressure of being “the guy.”
“We haven’t had that conversation because each guy will handle it a little bit differently," he said. "I’ve handled it in my way and it’s probably unique to the way the Max (Hall) did it to the way that John (Beck) did it, but it’s worked for me so far.”
Hill said he knew about the quarterback expectations before he ever arrived in Provo. But does he think he will be that next great signal caller at BYU?
“I hope in the public’s eye that I am great … the next great one to come through here. But who knows how they’ll pin me by the time I’m done here,” Hill said. “I’m happy with where I am as a player and as a person. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Shakespeare said “Be not afraid of greatness,” and Hill seemingly has no fear. I am a reporter and producer for KSL Newsradio. I am also a co-host on Cougar Sports Saturday. I've worked for KSL since August of 2001.
