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BYU wisely names Taysom Hill starting quarterback

By Patrick Schmidt

Sep 5, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Taysom Hill (4) looks to pass against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Taysom Hill (4) looks to pass against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Taysom Hill will lead the BYU Cougars after the veteran quarterback was named the starter by first-year head coach Kalani Sitake.

The biggest decision facing BYU first-year head coach Kalani Sitake was who he would name the starting quarterback. Taysom Hill was the talented and proven veteran, albeit one with a history of injuries. Tanner Mangum was the promising underclassmen who played well when Hill was lost last year to an injury.

Sitake made his decision on Tuesday, naming Hill the starter for the team’s season opener, according to Jay Drew of the Salt Lake Tribune. Drew also reports Mangum took the news well and Sitake mentions Hill won the job based on his play.

Hill suffered a season-ending Lisfranc injury in the season opener last year and has been limited to six total games over the last two years. In his last year of eligibility, Hill and BYU is hoping he’ll be able to make it through the season for the first time since 2013.

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That year saw Hill poised to emerge as one of the better dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. Hill threw for 2,938 yards and 19 touchdowns while adding 1,344 yards and 10 scores on the ground.

Hill’s injury history can’t be ignored and it’ll be interesting to see if his rugged style of play will be altered to protect himself for the course of the season. Instead of running for an extra yard or two, Hill could be better off sliding or running out of bounds to preserve his health. That’s a tough thing to learn in one offseason. However, his veteran leadership will be invaluable for his teammates and Mangum especially.

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Mangum played well as a freshman last year when he threw for 3,377 yards and 23 touchdowns to only 10 interceptions. He also completed 59.9 percent of his passes, showing a more accurate arm than Hill ever has.

His future at BYU is very bright but as long as Hill stays healthy, Mangum may not see the field this year. I don’t think that is the best idea because playing them both could be a potent combination. Sitake, offensive coordinator Ty Detmer may choose to keep a year of eligibility.

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