Is BYU Quarterback Taysom Hill More than Just a Heisman Hopeful?

By Tanner Sperry | Jul 17, 2015

Taysom Hill had the BYU Cougars rolling last season until his season-ending injury. He may be flying just under national Heisman Trophy radar now, but some think he’s going to be a big deal come September.

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He is described as a “beast” on Bruce Feldman’s recent article about the top Heisman Trophy Candidates. Feldman placed him second, just behind Michigan State’s Quarterback Connor Cook. Another source claimed this player is “the best Quarterback Nebraska will face all season,” which overtakes Cook (even though it is widely agreed that Cook has a higher NFL ceiling).

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He is Taysom Hill, the starting QB for Brigham Young University, and even with a very difficult schedule many think he’s got a nice chance to win the Heisman.

Of course, he couldn’t do it all on his own. Alongside Taysom returns talented running-back Jamaal Williams, who has some swag himself. BYU also has what should be an improved offensive line and a group of receivers that should make a name for themselves this season.

The Heisman award appears to be set within Hill’s reach if he can deliver.

Taysom Hill caught national attention in 2013 after he led the BYU Cougars to a huge 40-21 victory over Texas in Provo, Utah, running for over 250 yards and scoring 3 touchdowns. He followed his performance up with another fantastic game in Austin in 2014. He also had three touchdowns on the ground and “only” had 99 rushing yards in the 2014 game, but this long touchdown run was called back and shows that he has “elite” speed.

Hill has always been praised with having a good arm, but his passing stats in general have greatly improved over the years. He had nice stats in a few games as a freshman in 2012, but in 2013 he couldn’t reach 50% passing completion until the fourth game of the season. However, he reached that mark in 9 of the last 10 games of 2013.

in 2014 he showed great improvement, throwing a 66.7% completion rating and came close to 1000 yards in just over four games.

Hill has put concerns about his health to rest, stating at BYU Media Day in late June that he’s 100% ready.

Next: 15 CFB Quarterbacks With the Most to Prove

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