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OGDEN — Weber State football took a much-needed step in the right direction in 2014.
Yes, the Wildcats matched their win total from 2013 (2-10), but the way the team played indicated better things are coming for the program in the near future. Weber improved in virtually all categories, and went six consecutive games where it had a chance to win or tie in the fourth quarter.
Despite the record, Wildcats coach Jay Hill said the feelings about Weber from recruits, fans and high school coaches is positive.
“People are so positive about what happened this year,” he said, referring to the team’s rebuilding. “In a way, it kind of drives me nuts because we went 2-10, but a lot of the fans and the players feel like we’re so much better, and we made such big improvement. They see it, but they’ll let that go for one year. Now, we’ve got to reflect it in the record.”
Weber State opened the season with nine consecutive losses, including heartbreaking defeats against Southern Utah and Northern Arizona. However, the Wildcats’ season turned against Northern Colorado.
After quarterback Jadrian Clark threw an interception, it appeared the Bears would score an easy return touchdown. However, wide receiver Shaydon Kehano stripped the ball as a Bear entered the end zone, keeping Northern Colorado from scoring.
"I don't think the record showed the improvement that was made," said Weber State coach Jay Hill, referring to the 2014 season.
The play symbolized the grit and determination the 2014 Wildcats showed in the face of trying to rebuild a program. For the senior class, which featured players like Kehano, running back Bo Bolen and defensive tackle Connor Myers, their record over four seasons was 11-35.
In spite of the record, Hill said the graduating seniors at Weber State will always be remembered.
“There was a lot of leadership in that group,” he said. “They went through a lot, and they’ll be successful in life because of what they went through here, and how they fought through that. One of the biggest regrets I’ll have from this year is not being able to send that senior group out on a bigger positive.”
In his first year as a head coach, Hill was tasked with rebuilding the Weber State program, and will do so in spite of recent sanctions levied against the Wildcats.
Hill brought an organized, experienced coaching staff to Ogden, and the results were there, regardless of the win-loss record.
“I don’t think the record showed the improvement that was made,” he said. “A lot of the games last year, they got blown out of; this year, we were right in every game. If you look statistically, defense was 12 points a game better this year; offense was 6 points a game better this year.
“There was a lot of good things we did and we made a lot of improvement. I thought the players, for the most part, bought into what we were saying and doing. It didn’t correlate into as many wins as we could have had."
While he is appreciative of the Wildcats’ improvement, he said his grade for his efforts this season showcase a need for improvement.
“We’ve got one stat that we’re really rated by,” said Hill, referring to the overall record. “I wouldn’t say I did a good enough job, just because it’s a bottom-line business. I’ve got to do a better job, but again, there’s crazy things that happen and we all know we were digging out of a little bit of a hole.”
Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football, and Hill has always had a reputation as a top recruiter, starting with his time at Utah.
His first recruiting class at Weber State brought several impact players, including wide receivers Daryl Denby and Drew Batchelor, and tailback Eric Wilkes. However, Hill said he’s hopeful to mix in players from his first class with quality talent in his future classes.
“We’ve got to try to have another class exactly like last year’s,” he said. “You never quite know what you’ve got in recruiting till you’ve had them for a year or so, and I think we hit an absolute home run. I still believe some of the best players from last year’s signing class have yet to join us because they’re out on missions.”
