After injury, what should BYU's Taysom Hill do next?


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PROVO — Things were looking great for BYU quarterback Taysom Hill last Saturday.

He was playing incredibly in front of over 90,000 fans in one of the great college football venues in the nation. As he scampered to the end zone to cap a nifty 21-yard run, though, he walked back to the sideline with a noticeable limp. Hill went into the locker room to get checked out and got the worst news possible: for the third time in four years, he had sustained a season-ending injury.

The question for Hill now is this: what should he do next? Here are some options.

He could apply for a medical redshirt and play for BYU in 2016

Having played only three quarters of a game, Hill would be a prime candidate for a medical redshirt. As he did after getting hurt in 2012 and 2014, Hill could go through extensive rehab and play for the Cougars in 2016. If he decides to do so, he could again be reunited with Jamaal Williams, who likewise has had to delay his senior season. The two would make a formidable pair, especially with Hill's impressive development as a passer. Coming back for another campaign would also have the added bonus of Hill getting one more go at the University of Utah.

If he returns as a Cougar in 2016, Hill would again be considered for national awards.

He could receive a medical redshirt and transfer

With Hill's unfortunate injury, the Tanner Mangum era has officially started in Provo. Even though Mangum has an incredibly small sample size, many Cougar faithful are already comparing him to great BYU quarterbacks of old. Barring injury, it looks like BYU is putting all its eggs in Mangum's basket for the 2015 season. If Mangum has a monster season, would Hill want to remain a Cougar in 2016? Coach Bronco Mendenhall would have a very difficult decision to make if Hill decided to come back and give football another shot. Perhaps Hill would think it better to finish his gridiron days at a different school.

#poll

He could declare himself eligible for the 2016 NFL draft

This direction seems to be the least likely for Hill to go. While Hill is a beast of an athlete and has greatly improved as a passer, he has a lot going against him when it comes to trying to make the jump to the NFL. First and foremost is Hill's injury history. Hill has been able to complete only one season out of four for the Cougars. Another factor working against him is that he's already 25 years old. NFL teams want to maximize the return on investment and many are scared off by players who have a smaller window of time they can play. Also, Todd McShay, ESPN's NFL draft guru, gave Hill poor grades on his overall ability. But, to be fair, McShay gave Hill a B+ on mobility — apparently his definition of an A is The Flash. Still, all it takes is for one coach or one organization to give him a shot. Personally, I think if Hill can stay healthy, he could be a quality NFL quarterback.

He could end his football career

While Hill would be considered old for an NFL rookie quarterback, he is still a very young man for those of us outside of the sports industry. He recently got married, he completed a fantastic internship over the summer at a major venture capital company, he's smart and he's got good interpersonal skills. Hill will be successful in whatever he chooses to do with his life. There would be no shame in him deciding that he wants to protect the health that he has left, settle down and start a family.

Dylan Cannon is a regular KSL.com contributor and can be reached at DylanCannon86@gmail.com or via twitter @DylanCannon11.

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