Hillstead Transferring

Slim80 · Post by **Slim80** » April 14th, 2024, 5:53 pm

Can’t say I’m all that surprised. I wish him well in wherever he lands.

AGGIEinIOWA · Post by **AGGIEinIOWA** » April 14th, 2024, 5:54 pm

Well that would be a bummer. He’s probably inline to be the starter in 2025 after Legas and Petras graduate.

Bullnamed_gus · Post by **Bullnamed_gus** » April 14th, 2024, 6:12 pm

He had a higher ceiling than Legas. His highs last year were much much higher than Legas’ was. After he got hurt behind a piss poor offensive line he wasn’t the same.

Really unfortunate. Chalk it up to Blake handling the QB Room with excellence!

3rdGenAggie · Post by **3rdGenAggie** » April 14th, 2024, 6:21 pm

My guess is he was 3rd string after spring and doesn't want to RS. Can't really blame him. Sucks though.

Hoot · Post by **Hoot** » April 14th, 2024, 6:33 pm

Bullnamed_gus wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 6:12 pm
He had a higher ceiling than Legas. His highs last year were much much higher than Legas’ was. After he got hurt behind a piss poor offensive line he wasn’t the same.

Really unfortunate. Chalk it up to Blake handling the QB Room with excellence!

Blake is 1000% the coach we need to get us to the next level. Remember how he won the conference two years ago? He’s really run the program like a guy with a very high football IQ and not at all like a .500 sunbelt coach.

3rdGenAggie · Post by **3rdGenAggie** » April 14th, 2024, 6:46 pm

I'm old enough to remember when Legas was supposedly going to leave because BA was favoring Hillstead...

EngineeringAggie · Post by **EngineeringAggie** » April 14th, 2024, 6:50 pm

What really sucks is that means Bryson Barnes is going to be our starter next year unless we get a transfer qb

SLB · Post by **SLB** » April 14th, 2024, 6:55 pm

This is a bummer.
I don't believe Hillstead ever truly recovered from the sacks and injuries. He looked out of sorts after the James Madison game.

ineptimusprime · Post by **ineptimusprime** » April 14th, 2024, 7:47 pm

Too small.

Post by **aggies22** » April 14th, 2024, 8:22 pm

We'll look to take a redshirt freshman or sophomore portal QB.

Post by **aggies22** » April 14th, 2024, 8:24 pm

ThunderAggie wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 5:46 pm

I'll confirm this in the morning. It's probably true but I'm not bothering anyone on a Sunday night.

Aggie84025 · Post by **Aggie84025** » April 14th, 2024, 8:25 pm

Bullnamed_gus wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 6:12 pm
He had a higher ceiling than Legas. His highs last year were much much higher than Legas’ was. After he got hurt behind a piss poor offensive line he wasn’t the same.

Really unfortunate. Chalk it up to Blake handling the QB Room with excellence!

How many games did Hillstead win last year? He had some solid moments but after he got rocked at UCONN he was a shell of his former self. IMO Blake played Hillstead too much last year.

Post by **Aglicious** » April 14th, 2024, 8:35 pm

Man, this has to hit BA pretty hard. Hillstead was his guy. He hyped him up at every chance he had. I think he has really nice arm talent and could buy a little time in the pocket when needed, but he just doesn't have the size needed at this level to be the consistent guy we need at QB.

I also agree with others who say he was not himself after the UConn hit. He lost confidence in his protection and subsequently in himself. I hope he finds a place where he can excel. However, I think that place is at a lower level.

trevordude · Post by **trevordude** » April 14th, 2024, 8:41 pm

Really wonder what the motivation is to leave

Probably in line to start with Blake Anderson after this year. Already played major minutes for a true fresh QB

So he either dislikes his coach/program, or expects to start next year.

TrueAG · Post by **TrueAG** » April 14th, 2024, 8:48 pm

Short sighted by Hillstead, wouldn't hurt to have another year without concussions and come in as a RS Sophomore with a chance to start.

Imakeitrain · Post by **Imakeitrain** » April 14th, 2024, 9:02 pm

On one hand I’m getting really frustrated with a history of our guy in waiting transferring. Kennedy, DG, Colombi, that dude that did super mid after a week of practice…

DG, Peasley & Colombi were mishandled at varying levels. Kennedy is understandable for leaving.

On the other hand sophomores leaving for playing time thinking they’ll immediately go to a good school and play is probably more impatience than it is mishandling.

I think Blake brought in one too many QBs. We will see how it plays out.

blueblood · Post by **blueblood** » April 14th, 2024, 9:09 pm

Are all these kids and their “advisers” so confident in themselves that they can’t see reality? I am willing to bet that if he does enter the portal he never matches his season highs he had as a freshman here at USU.

Didn’t the Bishop kid basically do the same thing and he is riding the pine at an FCS school?

Vaughns had an NFL career ahead of him but he couldn’t get out of his own way and ended up at Baylor(I think) not starting and probably missed his shot at the NFL with limited tape from his Sr. year.

If Hillstead redshirts next year (he can still play 4 games) at USU, he gets the keys to the kingdom with 3 to play 3 in a system that he has two years experience in.

He goes somewhere else he is forced to learn a new system and start at the bottom.

Roy McAvoy · Post by **Roy McAvoy** » April 14th, 2024, 9:15 pm

blueblood wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 9:09 pm
Are all these kids and their “advisers” so confident in themselves that they can’t see reality? I am willing to bet that if he does enter the portal he never matches his season highs he had as a freshman here at USU.

Didn’t the Bishop kid basically do the same thing and he is riding the pine at an FCS school?

Vaughns had an NFL career ahead of him but he couldn’t get out of his own way and ended up at Baylor(I think) not starting and probably missed his shot at the NFL with limited tape from his Sr. year.

If Hillstead redshirts next year (he can still play 4 games) at USU, he gets the keys to the kingdom with 3 to play 3 in a system that he has two years experience in.

He goes somewhere else he is forced to learn a new system and start at the bottom.

In all likelihood he’s probably not happy his coach keeps bringing in transfers and putting them above him. I’m sure that has part to do with this.

GameFAQSAggie · Post by **GameFAQSAggie** » April 14th, 2024, 9:24 pm

EngineeringAggie wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 6:50 pm
What really sucks is that means Bryson Barnes is going to be our starter next year unless we get a transfer qb

There always seems to be an abundance of available portal quarterbacks.

TrueAG · Post by **TrueAG** » April 14th, 2024, 9:28 pm

Super seniors rule college football. Have to be patient young grasshopper.

Mogy21 · Post by **Mogy21** » April 14th, 2024, 9:39 pm

Is he going to try to head to byu provo? I thought I saw something about them not having a true starter.

Slim80 · Post by **Slim80** » April 14th, 2024, 9:45 pm

aggies22 wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 8:22 pm
We'll look to take a redshirt freshman or sophomore portal QB.

If Hillstead is leaving, it feels like our QB room is not situated well for future years. With the portal and NIL situation that can change any minute of the day so I guess I won’t hold my breath. Are the days of having a young QB-in-waiting long gone with the portal?

bigblue32 · Post by **bigblue32** » April 14th, 2024, 9:58 pm

GameFAQSAggie wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 9:24 pm

EngineeringAggie wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 6:50 pm
What really sucks is that means Bryson Barnes is going to be our starter next year unless we get a transfer qb
There always seems to be an abundance of available portal quarterbacks.

Especially ones who didn’t throw for a lot of yards

GameFAQSAggie · Post by **GameFAQSAggie** » April 14th, 2024, 10:06 pm

bigblue32 wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 9:58 pm

GameFAQSAggie wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 9:24 pm

EngineeringAggie wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 6:50 pm
What really sucks is that means Bryson Barnes is going to be our starter next year unless we get a transfer qb
There always seems to be an abundance of available portal quarterbacks.
Especially ones who didn’t throw for a lot of yards

We might want to take note of who the starting quarterbacks are on teams that have the dominant defenses to make their win-loss record as a starter better than they would otherwise.

GameFAQSAggie · Post by **GameFAQSAggie** » April 14th, 2024, 10:10 pm

ineptimusprime wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 7:47 pm
Too small.

I was hoping if he did end up leaving, it would be cause of us having a guy overtake him on the depth chart that is at least equal to him in eligibility.

Hoot · Post by **Hoot** » April 14th, 2024, 10:23 pm

GameFAQSAggie wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 10:10 pm

ineptimusprime wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 7:47 pm
Too small.
I was hoping if he did end up leaving, it would be cause of us having a guy overtake him on the depth chart that is at least equal to him in eligibility.

Rumor has it Zeke Payne is staking his claim for the starting QB job.

Post by **aggies22** » April 14th, 2024, 11:15 pm

Slim80 wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 9:45 pm

aggies22 wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 8:22 pm
We'll look to take a redshirt freshman or sophomore portal QB.
If Hillstead is leaving, it feels like our QB room is not situated well for future years. With the portal and NIL situation that can change any minute of the day so I guess I won’t hold my breath. Are the days of having a young QB-in-waiting long gone with the portal?

Long gone my Aggie brother. Kids just aren't patient enough these days. Look around the entire country, it's a problem everywhere. Say what you want about Coop Legas but the fact that once the 2024 season kicks off he'll have been here SIX seasons says a lot about what makes him tick. Dudes like him are a dying breed.

Post by **aggies22** » April 14th, 2024, 11:16 pm

Hoot wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 10:23 pm

GameFAQSAggie wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 10:10 pm

ineptimusprime wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 7:47 pm
Too small.
I was hoping if he did end up leaving, it would be cause of us having a guy overtake him on the depth chart that is at least equal to him in eligibility.
Rumor has it Zeke Payne is staking his claim for the starting QB job.

Which would be strange since he hasn't been in spring camp at all.

PIGSKINAGGIE · Post by **PIGSKINAGGIE** » April 15th, 2024, 1:17 am

These kids don’t want to compete and win the job, want it just handed to them. What a shame. Like others mentioned, could have redshirted and then had 3 years to be the starter if he could win the job, which he would have had a good shot at doing. Now, probably end up riding the bench somewhere else or at a smaller school. These guys should learn from others like bishop who could have also had a nice future here and ended up losing that and now will ultimately not end up doing jack $h!t. What some dummies, and also the ones advising these kids. Which is exactly what they still are, as evidenced by these decisions.

Post by **aggies22** » April 15th, 2024, 5:47 am

Roy McAvoy wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 9:15 pm

blueblood wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 9:09 pm
Are all these kids and their “advisers” so confident in themselves that they can’t see reality? I am willing to bet that if he does enter the portal he never matches his season highs he had as a freshman here at USU.

Didn’t the Bishop kid basically do the same thing and he is riding the pine at an FCS school?

Vaughns had an NFL career ahead of him but he couldn’t get out of his own way and ended up at Baylor(I think) not starting and probably missed his shot at the NFL with limited tape from his Sr. year.

If Hillstead redshirts next year (he can still play 4 games) at USU, he gets the keys to the kingdom with 3 to play 3 in a system that he has two years experience in.

He goes somewhere else he is forced to learn a new system and start at the bottom.
In all likelihood he’s probably not happy his coach keeps bringing in transfers and putting them above him. I’m sure that has part to do with this.

And by transfers you mean a 7th year senior? Because Bryson Barnes has been a distant 4th QB so far.

dyedblue · Post by **dyedblue** » April 15th, 2024, 6:12 am

I’m still not sure why the staff did what they did with the QBs this off season. Bringing in a grad transfer made little sense given that we have a senior starter and a sophomore with a lot of experience. Yet we brought in two grad transfers who had a lot of experience but don’t fit our style of offense.

Expecting a young QB to be happy in that situation is wishful at best. It sent a during message that he wasn’t going to see the girls this year. That’s fine if he wasn’t going to cut it, but now we have nobody in the wings.

I like Barnes, and Utah did him dirty. He got wins over Florida and USC, but I don’t see him airing the ball out in a wide open offense like we run.

AggiePharm · Post by **AggiePharm** » April 15th, 2024, 7:31 am

dyedblue wrote: ↑
April 15th, 2024, 6:12 am
I’m still not sure why the staff did what they did with the QBs this off season. Bringing in a grad transfer made little sense given that we have a senior starter and a sophomore with a lot of experience. Yet we brought in two grad transfers who had a lot of experience but don’t fit our style of offense.

Expecting a young QB to be happy in that situation is wishful at best. It sent a during message that he wasn’t going to see the girls this year. That’s fine if he wasn’t going to cut it, but now we have nobody in the wings.

I like Barnes, and Utah did him dirty. He got wins over Florida and USC, but I don’t see him airing the ball out in a wide open offense like we run.

Agreed. Trying to redshirt Hillstead after playing him as much as you did last year was a questionable decision at best. The QB room has a fairly bleak future at the moment.

Hoot · Post by **Hoot** » April 15th, 2024, 7:46 am

aggies22 wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 11:16 pm

Hoot wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 10:23 pm

GameFAQSAggie wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 10:10 pm

ineptimusprime wrote: ↑
April 14th, 2024, 7:47 pm
Too small.
I was hoping if he did end up leaving, it would be cause of us having a guy overtake him on the depth chart that is at least equal to him in eligibility.
Rumor has it Zeke Payne is staking his claim for the starting QB job.
Which would be strange since he hasn't been in spring camp at all.

I didn’t say it was a good claim.

AggiePharm · Post by **AggiePharm** » April 15th, 2024, 8:06 am

I feel like this whole situation was easily avoidable. The offensive priority for next season should've been OL to keep your QB's on their feet and off the injury report. Then:

1. Legas as the clear QB1
2. Hillstead as the experienced sophomore and QB of the future
3. Sure, bring in Barnes as your "break in case of emergency" 3rd stringer with P5 experience

Simple, predictable balance of your win-now starter and youth waiting in the wings still getting reps with the 1's to keep him engaged with the program and developing.

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