07-25-2018, 01:47 AM
At Houston Lamar prep school, Holton Hill was known as “Hollywood.” It’s somewhat of an ironic name considering he isn’t the type to hype himself. Instead he was known for his understated personality and ability to break a game open at any time.
NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote of Hill’s game:
“Hill made tremendous strides as a cover man this year and has the potential to take yet another big step forward once he trusts his footwork and becomes less grabby. His instincts and physicality in run support could allow teams to consider moving him to safety at some point.”
But Hill wasn’t overlooked in the draft because of his on-field talent. He was passed over because Texas head coach Tom Herman suspended him for a violation of team rules on November 7 and then Hill reportedly tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Combine.
When some kids leave high school, a coach might worry about how they will handle the next step, but when Hill graduated from Lamar, Reagins did not expect “character issues” and Hill’s name to become synonymous.
“He’s a really smart kid,” Reagins said. “He always went to class, always did his homework. He never had any issues with his grades. That’s why he was able to go to the University of Texas, because of that. I was surprised he had those off-field issues. I never saw it coming. He always carried himself the right way, did everything right in school, went to class, did everything right on the field, he was coachable. It was more surprising to me than anything, those off-field problems.”
When the Minnesota Vikings signed Hill as the No. 1 ranked (by ESPN) undrafted free agent, head coach Mike Zimmer said the team had been interested in Hill throughout the draft process.
“We’ve spent a lot of time with him,” Zimmer said. “He was here on a Top 30, we met him in Indianapolis. He’s a good football player, big, fast, tough, good tackler. We’ve had a lot of conversations with him. We’re excited, he’s got a chance. If he comes in here and do what we ask him to do, he’s got a chance.
”http://www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2018/07/meet-holton-hill-interesting-player-vikings-camp/
NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote of Hill’s game:
“Hill made tremendous strides as a cover man this year and has the potential to take yet another big step forward once he trusts his footwork and becomes less grabby. His instincts and physicality in run support could allow teams to consider moving him to safety at some point.”
But Hill wasn’t overlooked in the draft because of his on-field talent. He was passed over because Texas head coach Tom Herman suspended him for a violation of team rules on November 7 and then Hill reportedly tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Combine.
When some kids leave high school, a coach might worry about how they will handle the next step, but when Hill graduated from Lamar, Reagins did not expect “character issues” and Hill’s name to become synonymous.
“He’s a really smart kid,” Reagins said. “He always went to class, always did his homework. He never had any issues with his grades. That’s why he was able to go to the University of Texas, because of that. I was surprised he had those off-field issues. I never saw it coming. He always carried himself the right way, did everything right in school, went to class, did everything right on the field, he was coachable. It was more surprising to me than anything, those off-field problems.”
You can see why Reagins would have been taken aback. In February 2015, Hill was one of five players in the nation to receive the Franklin D. Watkins award, which is presented to African American scholar-athletes. It’s chosen based on their unweighted grade point average, personal statements, extracurricular activities, community service and letters of recommendation.
Hill was a member of the National Honor Society and had a 3.5 grade point average.When the Minnesota Vikings signed Hill as the No. 1 ranked (by ESPN) undrafted free agent, head coach Mike Zimmer said the team had been interested in Hill throughout the draft process.
“We’ve spent a lot of time with him,” Zimmer said. “He was here on a Top 30, we met him in Indianapolis. He’s a good football player, big, fast, tough, good tackler. We’ve had a lot of conversations with him. We’re excited, he’s got a chance. If he comes in here and do what we ask him to do, he’s got a chance.
”http://www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2018/07/meet-holton-hill-interesting-player-vikings-camp/
