From The Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
A year ago, BYU quarterback Max Hall was just along for the ride.
As a sophomore, Hall threw for 3,848 yards and 26 touchdowns, but he had 12 interceptions and said sometimes his head was “spinning 100 miles an hour out there.”
“You’re just hoping you can catch the snap and not fumble the ball,” Hall said.
Now Hall’s driving the train that is the nation’s eighth-best passing offense — 16th in total offense — with his quick release, precision passing and perfect timing.
Hall already has 20 passing touchdowns (and four INTs) for ninth-ranked BYU (6-0), which takes on TCU (6-1) at 7 p.m. Thursday night at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
Hall is making his own mark for a school that has featured Ty Detmer, Jim McMahon and Steve Young. Hall has even been mentioned as a Heisman Trophy candidate.
“He’s definitely one of the top quarterbacks in the country,” TCU senior linebacker Jason Phillips said.
From all accounts, Hall has gone about his success the right way, which would seem to come naturally considering former Cowboys quarterback Danny White is his uncle.
White was known for being a motivator and for his accuracy as a passer, all things Hall has tried to emulate.
“He was a very smart quarterback and he got rid of the ball quick, similar to how I am,” Hall said. “He was just a gamer. His teammates respected him and trusted him. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned from him is his example — he’s a man of faith who represents his faith and family very well.”
Hall’s memories with his “Uncle Danny” center more around playing golf than football. But White has worked with Hall on his release and given the young quarterback advice.
“It’s awesome to have an uncle who was an NFL quarterback to ask questions to or go to every once in a while,” Hall said.
Hall, like many of his teammates, is a Mormon, and the entire BYU staff and players aren’t supposed to do any football work on Sundays. That means Hall has had a short week to prepare for TCU’s top-ranked defense.
Hall said playing a defense like TCU’s has put the onus on him to extend BYU’s 16-game winning streak, the longest in the nation.
“They’ll mix it up and blitz and try to give me different looks to confuse me and get pressure on me,” said Hall, who has been sacked only twice this season. “I’ll have to prepare like crazy to pick up their tendencies and try to understand what they’re trying to do against me.”