South Carolina QB Collin Hill discusses winning the job, familiarity with Mike Bobo's system
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.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Hilinski transfers. He’s a long way from home to be a backup.
His home is in Columbia now. His family bought a house here on Lake Murray.
With Hill being a grad transfer, Hilinski would be the favorite to start next season.
Ahh.. didn’t know that. I like Hilinski. I thought overall he played well last year and was surprised that he lost his job. I do admit I don’t know a lot about Hill. Hope you guys have a good season (just not against us lol). Bobo and Champ could prove to be a good combo if they are given time and Champ let’s Bobo run the offense without interference.
They might as well have named them “Co-Starters” because they’ll both be playing this year and the starter will probably change week to week. Both guys are very good QBs.. Collin just has more time spent with both BoBo and the offense. Two guys that know each game could be a new opportunity… They’ll be fine and the team will be better for having two great guys running the offense!
I don’t think he’s the type of kid to pack it up. I think he played well but I honestly think a year to observe and learn the system would do him well. He was thrown into the fire last year and performed well enough but he needs to do a better job reading defenses, going through his progressions, and throwing a ball with some touch on it (a lot of his passes, if not all of them, were lasers). I think had Bentley not got hurt he would have been able to do that. I also think Champ is going to keep Hill’s leash awfully short because Hilinski is Champs guy. If Hill comes out and doesn’t put any points on the board, or looks perplexed at ALL by what UTjr is doing defensively, there will be a change at the QB position. Trust that.
Yep this kid looks like Garcia.
If he can play like Garcia played in that Alabama game…some wins will come your way.
But, can he drink like Garcia?