Former BYU football stars making waves in Green Bay Packers camp

Former BYU football stars are trying to make rosters in the NFL. This includes a trio of former Cougars in Green Bay.

A video has surfaced of former Cougar quarterback Taysom Hill in camp throwing a perfect bullseye to the corner of the endzone. It was a perfect pass – with touch and command.

Jamaal Williams has made a great impression with his pass blocking.

Colby Pearson made a catch a Lambeau Field.

These former BYU football players have all put together strong training camps, so let’s break down how each is measuring up in the NFL.

Taysom Hill

When Taysom Hill signed with Green Bay the depth chart listed four quarterbacks on the roster.
This is still the case. The current depth chart lists Aaron Rodgers as the starter – no surprise there. The second string QB is currently Brett Hundley.

Hill is listed in the third slot of the depth chart.

Hill has been reworking just about everything in training camp. While working with David Riah, a member of the offensive coaching staff focused on “perimeter players.” Hill has been learning the offense while also focusing on mechanics and new footwork.

Hill’s work with Riah has been beneficial as the BYU football playmaker is taking more and more reps with the team.

It seems likely that Hill will remain as the third string in the depth chart but his value is rising as he attacks his steep learning curve and progresses with the team including fellow BYU football alumni Jamaal Williams and Colby Pearson (possibly Hill’s favorite receiver).

Jamaal Williams

Of the three BYU football representatives on the Packers, Jamaal Williams is making the biggest impact.

This past week, Williams was taking snaps with the first team. His improvements thus far have made him a contender for the starting position.

Edgar Bennett, Packers offensive coordinator, has mentioned that in addition to running the football, a running back must have the ability to pass protect. This is a skill that Williams has. It is also an advantage of Williams’ over the current and assumed week one starter, Ty Montgomery.

At this point in training camp, there have been few padded practices and full contact hasn’t been fully established so it is hard to get a bearing on how a running game will look. Once those start up, there will be more knowledge on what Williams’ role will be with the team.

But there’s no denying the all-time leading rusher for BYU football does fit.

Colby Pearson

As camp began for the Green Bay Packers, Colby Pearson, who signed as a free agent, was listed as a third string receiver. This still remains the case.

Unfortunately for the former Cougar, there has been one set back.

On Aug. 5, The Packers held an open practice for fans as a part of their Family Night. During this practice, the former BYU football receiver went down with an ankle injury. He left the field under his own power.

It is still unknown how serious the injury is, but as it is reported as a “twist” it can be assumed to be a mild injury and should not affect his preparation or on the field play for very long.

The Packers have 12 receivers listed at the moment. Most teams run their offense with 6 on their opening day roster. Simple math says half of those listed will be cut. Where does Pearson stand? It is still up in the air but the chemistry he has with Taysom Hill (who seems to favors Pearson) could prove to be valuable for Pearson if Hill is kept on the roster.