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PROVO — Just more than a week after National Signing Day, BYU added another quarterback to the stable.
Fifth-year senior Taysom Hill has announced he will return to the Cougars' back field in 2016, a year after suffering a season-ending Lisfranc injury in the first game of the season at Nebraska.
Hill, who finished his coursework in BYU's Marriott School of Management, had multiple options for playing out the remainder of his college eligibility: a shoo-in candidate for a medical hardship waiver from the NCAA, he also could have graduated and transferred to another institution for one final year of eligibility. But the older Hill, who served a two-year mission for the LDS Church in Sydney, Australia, also could have declared for the NFL draft and attempted a professional football career.
Now the senior with a degree in finance has made his intentions known.
#Cougarnation I want to thank you for all of your love and support and let you know I am coming back to BYU for one more year!! #2016 #fam
— Taysom Hill (@T_Hill4) February 16, 2016
Hill met with the new BYU coaching staff Tuesday, when the BYU career leader in quarterback rushing yards told them of his plans to return to Provo for his final season.
"Taysom is a proven commodity and a great leader for our football team," new BYU coach Kalani Sitake said in a statement from the school. "We are thrilled to have him back for one more year."
A native of Pocatello, Idaho, Hill was the state's Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior at Highland High and came to BYU with much promise. He went 2-0 as a freshman starter in 2012, claiming wins over Hawaii and Utah State and amassing 425 yards and four touchdowns passing with 336 yards and four rushing scores, as well.
As a sophomore in 2013, Hill had his most successful season at BYU to date. He threw for 2,938 yards in 13 games as a starter, piling up 19 touchdowns to go along with 1,344 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. That season ranks No. 5 in BYU school history for most offensive yards in a season, joining a list that includes such names as Steve Young, Jim McMahon and new offensive coordinator Ty Detmer.
Detmer confirmed Hill will play quarterback, and there will be an open competition at the position through summer workouts.
But then Hill's injury streak hit. He suffered a season-ending leg break and ligament damage against Utah State in the fifth game of his junior season in 2014, after coming in as a dark-horse Heisman Trophy candidate. After surgery and recovery to repair the damage, Hill went through a limited spring practice session and returned to open the 2015 season as a candidate for the Maxwell Award, Wuerffel Trophy, the Davey O'Brien Award, the Walter Camp Player of the Year award, and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
Still, Detmer expressed excitement after Hill made his decision to return to Provo.
"I'm happy for him. I know he's put a lot of work and effort, and last year was disappointing for him," Detmer said. "I'm happy for him, and I'm happy for the team. I think he's been a big part of the team the last few years, and the guys are real excited.
"Everybody here in the building is excited that he's made his decision and that he's staying."
He completed 21-of-34 passes for 268 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the season opener against Nebraska, while also rushing nine times for 72 yards and two scores to tie Ronney Jenkins and Pete Van Valkenburg for No. 8 on BYU's career rushing touchdown list with 24.
Then, tragedy. While running for his second score, Hill pulled up and hobbled into the locker room. Freshman quarterback Tanner Mangum relieved the starter, who tried to re-enter the game one more time — but it was a no go.
Mangum, as has been well-documented, led the Cougars with a Hail Mary drive at Nebraska and a similar come-from-behind win in BYU's home opener the following week against Boise State. He threw for 3,377 yards and 23 touchdowns with 10 interceptions as a freshman, helping the Cougars to a 9-4 mark and earning Freshman of the Year honors from the Touchdown Club of Columbus.
BYU opens spring practices March 1, with scrimmages currently planned for March 26 and April 1. BYU will hold its annual Pro Day for seniors and draft-bound players March 25.
Contributing: Jeremiah Jensen
