Santa Barbara High class of 2021 quarterback Deacon Hill
announced his commitment to The University of Wisconsin via Twitter post on
Tuesday morning.
Hill chose Wisconsin over scholarship offers from Kansas State and Nevada. The family atmosphere and system fit for the 6’4” 225 pound gunslinger were major factors in his decision.
“The relationships the coaches and the players have together
at Wisconsin is really cool,” Hill said. “You can just tell when you’re talking
to the coaches that it’ all about the players.”
The commitment comes in advance of Hill’s much anticipated
junior campaign. As a sophomore, Hill made three starts after a season ending
injury to senior Sacramento State commit Frankie Gamberdella and led the Dons
to the CIF-SS Division 7 playoffs.
Despite the lack of varsity experience, Hill made a big
impression at college camps this spring and summer. His powerful arm and above
average frame make him an attractive prospect when throwing in person.
“If you’re really good at camps and not good in the game
they’re obviously not going to recruit you,” Hill said. “I thought I had enough
game film that showed I could make the throws on the field and then proved it
in person that I could do it at any time.”
Santa Barbara High head coach J.T. Stone has consistently
prepared quarterbacks for the college level as evidenced by two of his more
recent understudy's Brent Peus, who accepted a preferred walk on offer from
Stanford in 2016 and Gamberdella, who made similar arrangements at Sacramento
State.
Stone’s individual work with Hill has prepared him to
flourish in Wisconsin’s pro-style system.
“I’ve been training with coach Stone since I was in fourth
grade and we used to always practice under center and all of youth football I
ran a ton of offense under center, so I kind of adjusted in high school when we
went to a complete spread system,” Hill said. “I don’t think it’s going to be
that big of a change when I go there and I think I’ll fit in great with my
skill set.”
With his commitment to a Big Ten school in Wisconsin, Hill
has burst the door wide open for future Santa Barbara area prospects, who have
the talent and will to compete at a power five program.