South Carolina QB Collin Hill discusses winning the job, familiarity with Mike Bobo’s system
By Jake Rill
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On Saturday, Collin Hill will enter Williams-Brice Stadium as the starting quarterback for South Carolina. It’s something that the Moore, S.C., native has been dreaming of for quite some time.
“I remember coming down to games as a kid and just wondering what it would be like to play here, thinking that maybe one day I could play here,” Hill said while speaking to the media Tuesday. “To be able to transfer in and have that opportunity, I’m real excited.”
Hill, a graduate transfer from Colorado State, beat out sophomore Ryan Hilinski for the starting job. He said that the coaching staff informed each of them of the decision separately and that it hasn’t affected their relationship as teammates.
One factor that potentially led to Hill earning the job was his familiarity with offensive coordinator Mike Bobo’s system. Bobo was the head coach at Colorado State from 2015-19 and is entering his first season on Will Muschamp’s staff at South Carolina.
“I think [Bobo’s] definitely confident in me. We’ve been together for a while and I understand the offense,” Hill told the media. “I understand our plan and what we’re trying to do. There is some freedom that comes with the position, for sure. That’s my job, making sure we’re in the right plays and everyone knows what we’re doing so we can be successful and execute.”
During his time at Colorado State, Hill passed for 3,320 yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Last year, he passed for 837 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions, but he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee for the third time, which ended his season.
Hill will lead the Gamecocks into their season opener against No. 16 Tennessee on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.
