Hill's return might not be in BYU's best interest


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PROVO — BYU's national signing day press conference was full of all the usuals, with some levity mixed in with touting the new players set to join the program.

Interestingly, not a word was spoken about the most talented recruit who could make a significant impact if he chooses to keep his commitment to BYU. Already in the program four years, Taysom Hill does not qualify as an incoming player, but he could end up being the most important player on next season's team.

Having graduated, Hill could take advantage of an NCAA rule that allows him to transfer and be immediately eligible to play his final season. Even though Tanner Mangum was brilliant as a freshman quarterback last season, the new BYU coaching staff wants Hill back and included him in the recruiting process last month.

"We've had some great communication," offensive coordinator Ty Detmer said after signing day last week. "We want him here, and I think he knows that. Time will tell, but he's going to be a great player wherever goes."

Credit Detmer and head coach Kalani Sitake for not shying away from a potentially sticky situation that could divide the team. Given how well Mangum played last season after returning from a church mission in June, the coaches could have encouraged Hill to leave.

"We're hoping he's here," Detmer said.

But is it the right decision?

With only three months to shake off the mission rust, Mangum looked like a poised veteran from the first snap he took in the season opener against Nebraska. He rarely was rattled over the course of the season and displayed a toughness to play through injuries.

Conversely, for his dynamic skill, Hill is injury prone.

History indicates that counting on Hill is nothing short of a waste of time. He is incredibly talent but simply cannot remain healthy. As all BYU fans know, Hill has suffered season-ending injuries three times in college.

As much has Hill has represented all things BYU, it's unwise to assume he won't go down again at some point next season. It seems silly to stall the development of Mangum, who looks like a future NFL quarterback, for the sake of Hill.

There's also the question of which quarterback is the better fit for Detmer's offense. Although the rookie coordinator says he's open to suiting the offense to the available talent, it's obvious Mangum plays the style that helped Detmer win the Heisman Trophy.

It would seem Hill is more of a square peg in round hole in this offense. The "go hard, go fast" philosophy that former offensive coordinator Robert Anae used has already been buried, giving way to huddling between plays.

Hill also needs to keep in mind his best interests. As much as the coaches want depth at the quarterback position, they can't expect Hill to be an insurance policy if Mangum gets injured.

With only one season of eligibility remaining, Hill has to survey the landscape and pick the best landing spot where he will start. Right now, that right spot doesn't look like BYU.

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