From ‘maybe one day I could play here’ to starting, Collin Hill ready for USC debut
When South Carolina charges out onto the field Saturday to open the 2020 football season against Tennessee under the lights at Williams-Brice Stadium, it will undoubtedly be a special moment for everyone involved, given the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic.
But for Collin Hill, the Gamecocks’ new starting quarterback, it’ll carry an even greater significance.
Growing up in the Upstate of South Carolina, Hill was a Michigan fan at first thanks to his father. But when he reached middle school, his sister wound up heading to USC. At the same time, the Gamecocks had one of their most successful runs led by the likes of Stephen Garcia, Connor Shaw and Dylan Thompson at QB.
“I remember coming down to games when I was a kid and just just wondering what it would be like to play here, thinking that, you know, maybe one day I could play here,” Hill recalled Tuesday. “And then to be able to transfer in and have that opportunity, I’m really excited. I can’t wait for kick.”
Even before that happens, Hill has drawn comparisons to Garcia, the first Carolina quarterback he can remember following — not as much for his play as for his flowing, shoulder-length hair.
“Yeah, you know, I’m not really on social media, but somebody showed me. I thought that was pretty clever, pretty funny,” Hill said.
Jokes aside, Hill’s journey to this point as South Carolina’s starter has been a long and winding one. One of the top quarterbacks in the state in high school, Hill led Dorman to a state championship game and broke the school records for career touchdown passes, passing yards and completion percentage. But with an offer list short on big SEC or ACC names, he wound up heading to Colorado State to play for Mike Bobo.
Five years and three ACL tears later, he’s back in his home state and set to make his SEC debut. And while the coronavirus pandemic will limit the number of Gamecock fans cheering for him in the stands at Williams-Brice, the people that matter most to Hill will be in attendance.
“I’m really excited. I know my family is excited to not have to fly across the country to come and see me play,” Hill said. “So I will have some family there and some friends, my girlfriend there and all that. But I’m just really excited to be back. It would have been really cool to have it at full capacity, but I understand the times we’re in and so I think we’re happy with whoever shows up, Whether it’s 20,000, 80,000, whatever it is, we’re gonna be ready to go, and we’re excited.”
Despite all the excitement, however, coach Will Muschamp didn’t seem too concerned Tuesday when asked if the emotions of the moment might affect the normally laid-back Hill on Saturday.
“Well, Collin, in the time that I’ve gotten to know him, has a pretty calm demeanor and I think he’ll handle himself extremely well,” Muschamp said.
South Carolina vs. Tennessee game info, betting odds
When: 7:30 pm Saturday
Where: Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia
TV: SEC Network
Line: Tennessee by 3.5
