Texas A&M QB Kenny Hill could be benched this weekend

Nine weeks ago, Texas A&M quarterback Kenny Hill was a Heisman contender. Come this weekend, he might be watching from the bench.

Offensive coordinator Jake Spavital said Tuesday that Hill and freshman Kyle Allen both have been taking snaps with the first team and that a starter for Saturday’s game against Louisiana-Monroe would be decided later in the week.

“We opened it back up and we've had some good experiences throughout last week in live scrimmage situations," Spavital said. "We've put them in different scenarios ... and are still challenging them in different ways. It's still wide open."

This is a lot like fall camp when the two players competed to be the opening day starter. Hill won that competition and proceeded to cement his starting spot with a spectacular first start against South Carolina.

But as the Aggies have faced tougher competition, Hill has struggled mightily.

In the past three games, all Aggie losses, Hill has thrown six touchdowns and six interceptions. Prior to that streak, Hill had only thrown two interceptions. The latest blemish was a 59-0 loss to Alabama, the Aggies' first shutout since 2003, where Hill threw for 138 yards and a pick.

That prompted coach Kevin Sumlin to announce that every position would be re-evaluated, including quarterback.

"That is tough, especially when you've started for eight games and then you're thrown in that situation where your job is on the line," Spavital said. "I think [Hill has] handled it pretty well. He's out there competing. He's motivating those younger guys when he's going with the No. 2 offense and I see that as leadership."

Allen played in spot time this year against A&M’s weak nonconference opponents and late against Alabama. He’s thrown for 264 yards and three touchdowns and also has two interceptions.

Spavital said Allen was thrilled to hear the quarterback competition was back open and that he’s seen determination in Allen to gain the starting role.

"I'm pleased with how he's handled the whole situation from fall camp through those eight games leading up to this point," Spavital said of Allen. "He shows up every day, he gets extra work in and you can tell he's really trying to exert himself to try to go out there and try to win this job."

For more Texas A&M news, visit AggieYell.com.

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