Release the Taysom!

A friend of mine sent me the following text during the Utah game: "Why did Jake Heaps throw the ball 20 yards over our receivers head while Riley throws the ball 20 yards in front of our receivers? Why can't we get someone who is in the middle!?" Hyperbole to be sure, but you can't argue there isn't some truth in the statement. My response was: "Just wait for Taysom."

A strong, accurate throwing arm and gifted athleticism have been mutually exclusive qualities for BYU quarterbacks since the days of Brandon Doman; and before him, since the days of Steve Young. In the modern world of college football, where these qualities can be the difference between the wheat and the tares, BYU needed to find someone who could do both.

Think about the type of quarterback that has been successful in college football during the past few years. Guys like Cam Newton, Andrew Luck, and Robert Griffin III. Or, as BYU fans saw up close and personal, Andy Dalton, Christian Ponder, Colin Kaepernick, and Jake Locker. Making a defense account for all six eligible offensive players is a boon in today's game.

Oh, hai Taysom Hill.

Hill originally committed to Jim Harbaugh out of high school, went on his mission, saw his coach leave to the NFL, and yoked his wagon with Brigham Young University. The redshirt freshman wowed during camp and found himself getting snaps in all three of BYU's games during the 2012 season.

There is just something about this kid.

When Hill enters the contest, he takes complete control. His body language is mature beyond his years. His physical tools are on full display once the ball is snapped. Some guys just have it. And you can see it from Day 1. (See: Van Noy, Kyle) Can't tell you how impressed I was at Hill's ability to run the Wildcat on his first collegiate snap (a fourth down, nonetheless) and find the wherewithal to abandon a sure first down run and throw to the endzone for a touchdown.

(Hill TD beginning at the 1:02 mark. YouTube is being strange today and would not allow me cut the video to size)

((Washington State vs BYU - Game Highlights (via byutvsports))

Hill handled the ball on two meaningful snaps against Utah; a run for eight yards and a terrific pitch to Jamaal Williams that resulted in a touchdown. The guy just makes plays. He is not redshirting. He should not be the starter. But the number of snaps he had against Utah is unconscionable.

The sample size is immensely small. Nine carries for 52 yards and two touchdowns; 2-4 for 36 yards and a touchdown. Who knows what his future will hold. Let's see just how great this guy can be. All I know is that the celestial fire of the 2013 schedule seems a little less hot knowing that Taysom Hill will be running the show. He has the best qualities of both Jake Heaps and Riley Nelson. The future is bright. But, before then, here in 2012, I urge you Brandon Doman: RELEASE THE TAYSOM.