With two extremely talented and experienced signal callers returning, William & Mary quarterbacks coach Matt Johns has reason for great optimism as the Tribe enters the upcoming season. Junior Hollis Mathis and sophomore Darius Wilson both earned starting roles as true freshmen and logged two of the most successful seasons by rookies in school history.
Although an injury limited Mathis to just four games last fall, he has worked tirelessly to regain the form that saw him post a record-setting freshman season in 2019 before leading the conference in total offense during the shortened spring season in 2021. An exceptional athlete, outstanding leader and great teammate, Mathis understands what it takes to be elite and has persistently worked to improve and refine his abilities. One of the Colonial Athletic Association’s most gifted playmakers, he possesses the ability to make big plays through the air and on the ground.
Honored as the 2021 CAA Offensive Rookie of the Year, Wilson made an immediate impact and executed at a high level as a true freshman last season. One of the nation’s top freshman quarterbacks, he broke the program’s true freshman record for passing yards (1,205) and total yards (1,591). The Bronx, N.Y., native has a good release and is a decisive decision maker who gets rid of the ball quickly. He continued to emerge as a leader during the offseason and consistently provides the offense with a calm, mature presence in the huddle.
Providing depth at the position will be two newcomers – freshmen Tyler Hughes and Jack Toscano – and sophomore Justin Hiller. A two-time all-state selection at Marietta High School (Ga.), Hughes threw for more than 7,000 yards and 70 touchdowns during his final two seasons. In addition to possessing a strong, accurate arm (64.0 completion percentage as a senior), he has excellent speed and can pick up yards on the ground. Toscano was one of the top prep quarterbacks in Virginia last season and won a state championship at Trinity Episcopal. Hiller has earned limited reps during his first two seasons at W&M but consistently works hard and is a great teammate.
