This past weekend has been a dream come true for quarterback Taysom Hill.

On Saturday, the Pocatello native and former Highland High School standout was signed by the Green Bay Packers as a free agent.

“It’s very exciting,” Hill said. “I’m well-aware of the Packers’ rich quarterback tradition and I’m just excited to get the opportunity to compete and make the roster.”

After going undrafted in last week’s NFL Draft, the 26-year-old said he and his agent had conversations with a number of teams, including the Packers, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts. Ultimately, they decided to sign with the Packers.

For Hill, playing for Green Bay presents a wonderful opportunity to work alongside two-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, who was the MVP of Super Bowl XLV and is currently one of the league's top quarterbacks.

“I can’t imagine anybody better to learn from,” Hill said. “I look forward to the opportunity.”

Gino Mariani, Hill’s football coach at Highland, also spoke about his former student joining a franchise renowned for developing superstar quarterbacks.

“It’s like when Aaron Rodgers was learning from Brett Favre, who was the very best in the league at that time,” Mariani said.

Hill’s five-year career at Brigham Young University was marked by both record-setting offensive numbers and injuries. He totaled 2,815 rushing yards, which is No. 1 all-time among Cougar signal callers. He also placed fourth in career offensive numbers with 9,744 yards and sixth in touchdowns with 32.

However, injuries plagued him throughout his college career. He played less than half the season in 2012, 2014 and 2015 due to injury. He injured his lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in 2012, suffered a leg fracture in 2014 and a lisfranc (foot) injury in 2015.

Despite the injuries, Hill still received a lot of attention from multiple NFL franchises. Though he wasn’t able to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine earlier this year, Hill impressed at BYU’s Pro Day, running a 4.45-second 40-yard dash.

Plus, Mariani said he received letters from three NFL teams last year inquiring about Hill’s time at Highland, where he led the school to the 5A state championship in 2008 and was named Gatorade Idaho Player of the Year and All-Idaho Player of the Year.

Mariani said the teams were the Packers, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders.

“If he had an injury-free career at BYU, he definitely would have been drafted,” Mariani said. “He’s definitely that caliber of an athlete.”

Though Hill described the whole draft process as a fun experience, he said it was a bit nerve-wracking not knowing where he was going to end up. His parents, Doug and Natalie, described the experience as a roller coaster ride with plenty of highs and lows.

But in the end, it was all worth it for the family.

When Hill received the phone call announcing that he was being picked up by the Packers, his parents, Doug and Natalie, were right by his side at his home. They said their son’s dream was to play professional football, and watching him fight back from his injuries to reach his ultimate goal has been particularly special.

“He just wanted a chance,” Natalie said, “and now he’s been given that chance, so hopefully he will make the roster.”

There’s been some speculation in the national media that the Packers may convert Hill to another position. However, Hill said he is being taken as a quarterback.

Still, Mariani said Hill could play other positions besides quarterback, which was something he did during his career at Highland.

“He can definitely play H-back or a safety position,” Mariani said. “He’s definitely capable."

Hill will travel to Green Bay for a few days later this week. Then, after a week off, he will return to Wisconsin for organized team activities (OTAs). In the meantime, Hill said he is prepping for life in the NFL by training, staying in shape and staying sharp.

However, he won’t be alone in his journey to the big leagues.

His former BYU teammate, running back Jamaal Williams, will be joining Hill in Green Bay. Williams was drafted by the Packers with the 134th pick in the NFL Draft.

Though Williams was the only Cougar drafted this year, Hill was one of six former BYU players who were signed to various teams as undrafted free agents. Two others received minicamp invitations. 

With this weekend's signing, Hill joins multiple former Highland High School Rams who have found their way to the NFL. 

Current ESPN analyst Merril Hoge was drafted in 1987 and played running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears. Hoge played his collegiate career at Idaho State University.

Bryan Johnson, a former Ram who played collegiately at Boise State University, was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2000. He played fullback in the NFL for seven years with the Redskins and the Bears.

Dirk Koetter, the current head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is also a former Highland Ram who played quarterback for ISU.