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Ogden • Since the spring of 2012, when coach John L. Smith walked away from Weber State after four months on the job, the Wildcats have a 6-29 record.

Under coach Jay Hill, however, there seems to be a flicker of light at the end of the tunnel.

Weber State won two of its final three games last season and, in the spring, Hill brought in his second recruiting class. While the optimum results of Hill's effort won't be evident for another year or two, a winning season is possible.

"I like where we are," Hill said. "The personality of our team has improved drastically. Last year, we were hoping the players would buy in. Now, I can truly say they've fully bought in. They believe in the system. We're seeing the development from Year 1 to Year 2 that you want to see. Our best football is still way ahead of us, but we're light-years from where we were."

During Hill's first year, he had 10 seniors on the roster. Five of them made the traveling squad. This season, WSU has nine seniors.

"Our freshman and sophomore classes are huge and loaded with talent," Hill said. "Our future is bright, but that creates a weird dynamic. You have juniors and seniors who are battling for their jobs."

Weber State brings back 15 starters from a year ago, including quarterback Jadrian Clark. The junior gained 20 pounds in the offseason and is up to 230.

"Clark is definitely the guy right now," Hill said. "He manages the offense well and has really improved. He's worked his butt off. He's doing a good job of leading."

Weber State's defense could be its strength. Emmett Tela, a sophomore from Timpview High, leads what Hill believes is the best group of linebackers in the Big Sky.

"Top to bottom," he said, "I think we have six guys we can win with. And there are probably a couple of all-conference players in that group."

The Wildcats open at Oregon State before visiting four-time FCS national champion North Dakota State. In the Big Sky, the 'Cats play at perennial powers Montana and Eastern Washington.

"My personality is, I want to play the best," said Hill. "If we are ever going to be the best, we have to know what we're up against. Is the sledding tough? Absolutely. But it gives us an opportunity to prove who we are." —

Weber State schedule

All times Mountain

Sept. 4 • at Oregon State, 6 p.m.

Sept. 12 • at No. Dakota St., 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 • vs. Sacramento St., 6 p.m.

Sept. 26 • at No. Colorado, 1:35 p.m.

Oct. 2 • vs. Southern Utah, 6 p.m.

Oct. 10 • at Montana, TBA

Oct. 17 • vs. North Dakota, 6 p.m.

Oct. 24 • at Northern Arizona, 5 p.m.

Oct. 31 • at East. Washington, 1:05 p.m.

Nov. 7 • vs. UC Davis, noon

Nov. 21 • vs. Idaho State, 1 p.m.