Taysom Hill may be a big factor in BYU’s QB race if he is healthy. (Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports)
Brigham Young quarterback Taysom Hill is planning to return for a sixth year of college football in 2016.
Hill’s 2015 season ended in the opener at Nebraska in September when he suffered a foot injury. He is seeking a medical hardship waiver to return this fall after recovering from a Lisfranc sprain.
“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!!” Hill tweeted Tuesday.
If Hill receives the medical waiver, he’ll provide depth at quarterback for the Cougars. Also returning this year will be Tanner Mangum, who replaced Hill last fall and went on to pass for 3,377 yards and 24 touchdowns with 10 interceptions as a freshman.
“Taysom is a proven commodity and is a great leader for our football team,” BYU coach Kalani Sitake said in a statement. “We are thrilled to have him back for one more year.”
Former BYU quarterback Ty Detmer is returning to the school this year as a first-year offensive coordinator under Sitake, who was hired as head coach after last season.
“I said it a couple of years ago, he’s probably the greatest athlete to play the quarterback position here,” Detmer said of Hill last month. “No offense to Steve Young, but Taysom’s put together a lot better than Steve was. … Taysom’s a great player. We want him back. He’s been a leader for this team and unit.”
Hill’s injuries during his college career include a knee as a freshman in 2012 and a foot and ankle in 2014. Despite missing time with the various medical issues, Hill is the school’s career leader in quarterback rushing yards (2,212) and touchdowns (24).
