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2021 Wisconsin QB Commitment Deacon Hill on Development, Recruiting Badgers

Wisconsin commit Deacon Hill looks to tighten the screws heading into his senior season.

Matt Solorio

As the lone quarterback committed to Wisconsin in their 2020 and 2021 classes combined, Deacon Hill already has his eyes set on being the Badger's QB1. 

The towering 6-foot-4, 225-pound pro-style prospect has three Division 1 offers, committing to his first just a month and a half after being offered. 

"Wisconsin offered on a Thursday, Nevada offered the day after, and then during the summer (June 2019) I went to a camp and Kansas State was there and wanted me to come on an unofficial, and ended up offering me there," he said.

One look at Hill's tape and you won't be able to answer the question of why this kid has just three offers. He's an actual athlete that learned how to play the least athletic position in football (besides kickers). He's got a gentle touch on throws as deep as 50 yards, coming out of a compact wind-up with a quick release.

"My sophomore to junior year was a big jump because I went from being back-up to being that starter," Hill said. "Where I've grown is being able to read defenses rotating to a one (safety) or a two. And leadership, that's one thing I wanted to improve on going into the year. I think the thing that grew the most was my leadership." 

As a sophomore, Hill had started just a few varsity games, yet he turned many heads at various Southern California camps, combines, and 7-on-7s during the spring and summer months leading into his junior year.

The son of two accomplished former collegiate athletes, Hill was taught the quarterback position by current Santa Barbara High head football coach J.T. Stone, who's been working with Hill since he was in the fourth grade. Hill also has been working closely with Coach Fish of Throw To Win.

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Despite being the lone 2021 commit from California, Hill's been hitting the digital recruiting trail on behalf of the Badgers, texting and talking with other class of 2021 Wisconsin targets. He's particularly keen on Ohio outside linebacker Darryl Peterson who he says may commit soon.

"We've talked about rooming together freshman year when we went on our unofficial." said the busy Santa Barbara, California native who had a second in between classes.

Hill's commitment potentially represents just the fourth scholarship signee from the Golden State to Wisconsin since 2016. The 2019 Channel League Offensive MVP, Hill threw for over 20 touchdowns and 2,000 yards to lead the Santa Barara Dons to a deep playoff run. 

His pocket presence and towering figure translate well to a pro-style offense with a starting offensive line who's average height consistently hovers around 6-foot-5 or 6-foot-6. His skill set reminds me closest of a young Joe Flacco coming out of the University of Delaware. 

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Matt Solorio
MATT SOLORIO

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