Tuesday, June 18, 2013

2013 Season Countdown: #72 Delano Hill

Jourdan Lewis and Delano Hill at Nike's The Opening
Name: Delano Hill
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 200 lbs.
High school: Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
Position: Safety
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Hill was a senior in high school. I gave him a TTB Rating of 69.

Hill was an Iowa commit without a Michigan offer for a long time, but he finally got offered in December and committed a few days later. The thing with Hill was never about his measurables (he has good size, a good 40 time, good leaping ability, etc.) but the question about him from Michigan's end seemed to be about his playmaking ability. For such a good athlete at a pipeline high school, it was odd to some that Michigan didn't show much interest earlier in the process. They made up ground in a hurry, though.

Michigan's coaches told Hill that he would get a shot to play cornerback - presumably slot corner or maybe boundary corner - but most people seem to think he'll end up as a strong safety, including yours truly. With his size and speed, he could very well end up playing on special teams. And as the team tries to develop safety depth for once Thomas Gordon graduates, I think Hill might see some time on defense in garbage time situations.

Prediction: Special teams action

2 comments:

  1. Its funny that he was offered so late in the process yet he will be one few candidates to play early.

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  2. I think he'll play due to physical ability and physical maturity. Special teams at least, probably some mop up duty. As you said - they need to get some kids ready to take over for Gordon next year and Hill will most likely be amongst those candidates.

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