Tim Hiller, QB

Hiller joins Central Michigan's Dan LeFevour as the next two potential quarterback prospects coming from the Mid-American Conference. The 2009 second-team All-MAC pick was recruited by several higher profile programs as a solid prospect from Ohio, but the pass-happy offense run by the Broncos and the chance to play right away was too good to pass up.

Hiller stepped into the starting lineup in October of his first year on campus. The MAC Freshman of the Year started five games that season, throwing 20 touchdowns against only three interceptions. Unfortunately, he tore ligaments in his right knee early in the 2005 season finale and wound up missing the following season as a medical redshirt.

After improving his productivity and decision-making from his sophomore to junior seasons, Hiller's statistical production took a step back in 2009. He completed a higher percentage of his passes (64.9 percent vs. 63.4), threw for more yards (3,725 vs. 3,021) and improved his touchdown-to-interception ratio (36-10 vs. 20-15) from 2007 to 2008, but completed only 60.1 percent of his passes for 3249 yards last season, throwing 23 touchdowns to 13 interceptions.

Scouts aren't likely to give Hiller outstanding grades in any one part of his game. But teams looking for a developmental prospect with size will take note of Hiller's productivity and leadership in a conference known for creating NFL starters.

Accuracy: Though not deadly accurate, he generally gets the ball where it needs to go. Receivers need to adjust to his throws too often, however, even needing to extend on short passes. Able to put deep balls on the money when his feet are set. Has a nice high fade on the outside shoulder in the red zone.

Arm Strength: A tall, sturdy quarterback with solid arm strength, although velocity is hampered as the ball does not always come out of his hands correctly. Has definite zip on the ball on shorter or routes over the middle, but less on passes outside the hashes over 10-12 yards. Deep balls can hang in the air too long, and throws across the field are dangerously slow.

Setup/Release: Usually passes from the shotgun, although he does work the ball fake in play-action and bootleg a few times a game. Agile enough to handle high and low shotgun snaps. Throws in balance and drops are consistent when not in shotgun. Unloads the ball quickly when he needs to but can get a bit long in his delivery when trying to thread the needle. Doesn't feel backside, or even oncoming, pressure very well.

Reading Defenses: Adeptly checks out of plays at the line of scrimmage. Takes what the defense gives him and hits the check down when necessary. Improved in his decision-making over the past three years but still birddogs and throws into double coverage and tries to make plays when they aren't there. Will throw jump balls and late over the middle under pressure.

On the Move: Has enough mobility to run bootlegs and attempt throws out of the pocket, even used on quarterback draws at times - but he lacks the speed to do that in the NFL. Steps up and moves around in the pocket at times but won't evade many sacks once in the grasp. Doesn't keep his shoulders square when running left, and loses pop and spiral when running to the right. Not much elusiveness running downfield or on bootlegs.

Intangibles: Very competitive. Works hard in film study. Played through torn left ACL at the end of the 2008 season, undergoing surgery in January. Excellent student, finished degree in three years with a 4.0 GPA, now working on his MBA. Also takes church missions and is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

NFL Comparison: Kyle Orton, Broncos

Wuerffel Trophy winner … ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America … Second Team All-MAC Offense … WMU career record holder for passing yards (11,329), attempts (1,607), completions (1,013), TDs (99), completion percentage (63.0), total offense (11,220) and total offensive plays (1,773) … became only the fourth MAC QB to throw for 3,000 yards in three-straight seasons … threw four TDs in a game for eighth time in career vs. Miami (9/19) … first 300-yard passing game of season and tied Ben Roethlisberger for fifth on MAC career passing TD list (84) vs. Hofstra (9/26) … Tied Tim Lester for most career TD passes at WMU (87) at Toledo (10/10) … set WMU record for career TD passes, completions and attempts in a game vs. CMU (10/17) … became eighth MAC QB to pass for 10,000 yards in career, 15th 300-yd game of career vs. Buffalo (10/24) … set WMU career records for passing attempts, yards, total offense and total offensive plays vs. Ball State (11/24) … named offensive team captain … earned Fourth Team Phil Steele's All-MAC.

Played last three games with torn left ACL. Started all 13 games … named Third Team All-MAC Offense … broke WMU single-season records for passing attempts (522), completions (339), yards (3,725) and touchdowns (36) … led the MAC in five of six major passing categories (attempts, completions, yards, yards per game, and touchdowns) … became just the second Bronco to throw for over 3,000 yards in a season twice in a career … threw for multiple touchdowns in all but two games … threw for over 300 yards in seven games … named MAC West Offensive Player of the Week twice (9/13, 10/11) … named First Team ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District … completed 30-of-49 passes for a total of 342 yards and two touchdowns at Nebraska (8/30) … went 21-of-30 for 186 yards with no interceptions and three touchdowns vs. Northern Illinois (9/6) … completed 23-of-31 passes for 241 yards and four touchdowns at Idaho (9/13) … tied career high with five touchdown passes on 27-of-31 passing for 333 yards vs. Tennessee Tech (9/20) … named First Team Phil Steele's Mid-Season All-MAC Offense … completed 24-of-37 passes for 347 yards and four touchdowns and recorded a career high 51 yards rushing vs. Ohio (10/4) … set school records for attempts (63) and completions (42) en route to 345 yards and four touchdowns at Buffalo (10/11) … threw for a school record 471 yards and helped three receivers over the century mark at Central Michigan (10/18) … completed 24-of-36 passes for 339 yards and three touchdowns vs. Eastern Michigan (11/1) … went 28-of-40 for a total of 301 yards and two touchdowns vs. Illinois (11/8) … completed 22-of-36 passes for 225 yards and three touchdowns vs. Toledo (11/15) … threw 19 completions for 198 yards and a WMU bowl record-tying two touchdowns vs. Rice in the Texas Bowl (12/30).

Started all 12 games … named Academic All-MAC … finished season as only second Bronco to pass for 3,000 yards in a season … finished year with second-best completion (267) and attempt (421) totals in a season at WMU … became fourth Bronco with 40 career passing TDs … completion percentage of 63.4 percent ranks fourth for a season … completed 28-of-51 with 343 passing yards and three touchdown passes vs. Indiana (9/8) … completed 30-of-43 passes for a total of 240 yards and touchdown at Missouri (9/15), first career punt of 17-yards … completed 21-of-29 passes for a total of 229 and three touchdown passes with a long of 48 yards at Toledo (9/29) … recorded a career best of 375 yards passing ranking 10th at WMU, completing 27-of-40 passes and throwing for three touchdown passes with a long of 52 yards vs. Akron (10/6) … completed 20-of-29 passes for a total of 226 yards and one touchdown at Northern Illinois (10/13) … was 21-for-38 passes with a long of 50 yards for a total of 237 yards vs. Ball State (10/20) … had 311 yards with a long of 65 yards and two touchdown passes vs. Central Michigan (11/6) … completed 26-for-45 with no interceptions for a total of 367 yards and three touchdowns at Iowa (11/17) … awarded MAC West Offensive Player of the Week (11/21) … completed 24-of-39 for a total of 276 yards and one touchdown pass vs. Temple (11/24) … only player in the MAC to earn Scholar Athlete of the Week three times during the fall season.

Redshirted due to injury.

Appeared in seven games and made five starts as a true freshman … MAC Freshman of the Year … named Sporting News and CollegeFootballNews.com Freshman All-America … Named MAC West Division Offensive Player of the Week (10/24) … preseason VandelaySports.com eighth ranked rookie on Top MAC Freshman List … ranked 12th on preseason Athlon Sports MAC Recruiting Rankings … finished season with 1,334 yards, 20 touchdowns and three interceptions on 98-for-158 (64.9 percent) passing, rushed for 59 yards and one touchdown on 38 carries … Had 178.85 passing efficiency (which would have led the MAC and the nation if eligible) … Third most touchdown passes in WMU history and most by a freshman … made collegiate debut against Buffalo (10/1), throwing a pair of touchdowns … threw a career-high five scoring strikes and 308 yards against Ball State (10/8) and rushed for an additional TD … registered four games with at least three touchdown passes … made first collegiate start at Bowling Green (10/22), tossing three TD passes … threw a career-long 89-yard scoring pass to Greg Jennings against the Falcons … lowest yardage total was 239 yards against Central Michigan (11/12), including four touchdowns … injured knee in season finale at Northern Illinois (11/23) on Broncos' second offensive snap.

2009: Underwent surgery following a torn left ACL late in the 2008 season.

2006: Took a medical redshirt while recovering from knee surgery.

2005: Tore ligaments in his right knee in the season finale.

Quarterback … rated as the 28th-best Pro Style quarterback in the nation by Rivals.com … threw for 3,029 yards last fall and finished with 7,222 career yards just two of six school records he holds … seventh all-time leading passer in Ohio history … threw 30 touchdowns last year, finishing with 55 for his career … "I've been here 27 years and this kid is every bit as good as anyone we've had … ," high school coach Bill McMillan told Rivals … Akron Beacon Journal Player of the Year … received interest from Louisville, Pittsburgh, Maryland, Mississippi and Toledo … carries a perfect 4.00 grade-point average.

Undecided on major … parents are Tom and Amy Hiller … born Dec. 13, 1986 in Parma, Ohio … hometown of Orrville, Ohio is also home to Smucker's, Co. and legendary college hoops coach Bobby Knight.