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BYU tight end Keanu Hill catches a pass during football practice at the outdoor practice facility in Provo on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024.

Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo

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BYU tight end Keanu Hill (1) talks to a Cougar coach during football practice at the indoor practice facility in Provo on Monday, March 4, 2024.

Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo

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BYU tight ends walk onto the field before football practice at the outdoor practice facility in Provo on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024.

Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo

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BYU tight end Keanu Hill (1) and kicker Jordan Kapisi (37) run up the field during football practice at the indoor practice facility in Provo on Monday, March 4, 2024.

Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo

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In his first five years at BYU, Keanu Hill had been a solid contributor at wide receiver for the Cougars.

In 45 games he had 73 receptions for 1,212 yards and 11 touchdowns, with the 2022-23 year being his best (36 catches, 572 yards, 7 TDs).

But this spring camp, the sixth-year senior is embarking on a new adventure at a new position.

Hill said there were some moments of hesitation when the discussion started about him going to tight end from being a receiver.

“I really needed to have it be OK with one man: my pops,” Hill said, referring to his father Lloyd Hill, who was an All-American at Texas Tech and played for the Chicago Bears. “He was very concerned about it for a little bit. But then he talked to some friends who said it would be a great switch for me. Then he came back to me and said, ‘I think you should go for it. I think it would be really good.’ Whatever he says, I feel a lot calmer and more comfortable with it.”

BYU tight ends coach Keving Gilbride said Hill is making solid strides in his new role.

“He’s done a nice job as far as focusing on not just understanding the scheme that we’re trying to execute, but that how to get the job done,” Gilbride said. “That was going to be the biggest hurdle to get over and he’s still working through it, but he’s come a long way in a short amount of time.”

There are some benefits to being a tight end.

Hill will be matched up more often with linebackers and safeties, where his speed could give him an edge. Plus he can bulk up a little bit instead of trying to keep his weight down.

“It’s easier for me now because I felt like when I was at receiver, I was having a hard time making weight because I always eat a lot,” Hill said. “I would have to lose it just to stay fast. But now, after gaining 20 pounds, I still feel fast. I still feel pretty light and I’m really loving it right now.”

On the flip side, Hill knows he has to be ready for a lot more physicality at his new spot, particularly when he is called on to block. Gilbride said that’s something Hill is working hard at.

“It started with working on his lower body, but he’s cleaned that up quickly,” Gilbride said. “It’s quickly transitioned to working on his hands. He would place his hands wide but he’s improved in that area as well because he’s focusing on it. He’s doing a good job.”

Hill wanted to be known as a receiver who blocked well downfield, so he feels like having the same mentality is beneficial in the tight end room.

“What I brought to the receiver room was being aggressive,” Hill said. “Now that I’m not as big as the other tight ends, I feel like that aggression really carries over. That’s something I need to bring to trenches.”

He also feels like having Gilbride come in just as he did has been beneficial for them both.

“Coach Gilbride is teaching me a lot of new things that I haven’t done and teaching me things that I like need to know,” Hill said. “He and my teammates are always keeping me positive, always trying to coach me on things I could do in the passing game or the blocking scheme.

“But then it’s kind of vice versa because I kind of help Coach Gilbride to get plays down with the pass and also help him understand the small details that we go through.”

Cougar head coach Kalani Sitake said Friday that Hill contributes an enormous amount to the BYU team, both with his performance and his personality.

“He marches to his own beat,” Sitake said. “I want him to be himself and be comfortable in his skin. He’s got an electric personality like Jamaal Williams, so I want to allow him to just lead and do it his way. It’s been a lot of fun. I like his style.

“I like that he cares about the team and he’s willing to do whatever is best for the team. The move to tight end wasn’t easy, but I think you can see we’re going to see in the fall how much it’s going to pay off. Him being in the in the tight ends room has been really helpful. I think it’s been really good for us and I’m looking forward to seeing him make plays.”

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