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| Detroit (MI) Crockett TE Khalid Hill |
Hill is a 6'2", 235 lb. kid who plays tight end and defensive end for Crockett. As a junior in 2011, Hill caught 29 passes for 448 yards (15.4 yards per catch) and 6 touchdowns. On defense he made 55 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks.
Ratings
ESPN: Unranked TE
Rivals: Unranked WDE
Scout: Unranked TE
247 Sports: 3-star TE, 86 grade
Hill is a little on the short side for a tight end, which is one reason why I thought it might take a while for him to get big-time offers. He's reportedly a little taller than 6'2" when you might expect early offers only to guys who are 6'4" or taller. But Hill displays soft hands, good agility, and excellent route running skills. He sells his routes well and shows a knack for eluding jams at the line of scrimmage. He also shows pretty good speed and some elusiveness as a runner after the catch, more so than many of the bigger tight ends.
With a short frame, it's likely that he's headed for the U position, which is an H-back type role. His size might be an advantage when playing in space or lead blocking from the move position, but he may struggle to add enough weight and strength to be an every-down tight end. He gets a little bit lackadaisical with his blocking at times, and he's going to have to be more consistent with his effort in the running game. That can be fixed with coaching, though.
Hill has the body to be able to play as a freshman if needed. He's not the most fundamental or explosive player, but he's not wispy like Devin Funchess and might be more college-ready immediately. I expect him to play a role somewhat like that of former Michigan tight end/H-back Aaron Shea.
This gives Michigan three commitments for the class of 2012. Hill is Michigan's first commitment out of Crockett since Brandon Graham in the class of 2006.
Thanks as always
ReplyDeleteDo you like the pickup Thunder?
ReplyDeleteEh, I'm a little indifferent. As a tight end, he's the type of kid who probably won't be a star but can play a role on your team. He's a little bit like Sione Houma - decent player but hard to truly get excited about.
DeleteHe's about the same size as Aaron Hernandez.What similarities in their games do you see and how can Michigan use him?
ReplyDeleteAlso, does Borges have any history of using a full house package? I know Meyer ran it with Hernandez at Florida.
Hernandez was a better leaper coming out of high school and a little bit faster. Keep in mind that Hernandez was one of the top couple tight ends in his recruiting class and had 1st round NFL Draft talent, so let's not get carried away with ourselves comparing him to Aaron Hernandez.
DeleteI don't think Borges has a history of using a full house package, but I'm not an Al Borges historian so it's possible.
Thanks for your insight.
DeleteI also had a question about what type of TE is best used for a playaction pass where the TE(s) go out for pass routes after selling the run. Do you want a bigger TE or one similar to Khalid Hill? I would imagine a smaller TE with quickness would best be able to run block and then accelerate and create separation for a pass.
What are your thoughts?
He might not be the only Crockett commit we get this year; Desmond King is another solid player who I wouldn't be surprised to see commit on the spot if offered either.
ReplyDeleteWhat's the TTB rating?
ReplyDeleteI'm not doing TTB Ratings until the 2012 class finishes out. In other words, I'm waiting on Kozan. I know Kozan's pending commitment won't matter much in regard to Hill, but anyway...I'm holding off a bit.
DeleteNice post. I'm somewhat excited by the commitment of guys like Hill and Houma who, despite being earmarked for a specific (limited) role, sound versatile enough to fit a conventional position at times, or at least to provide depth there.
ReplyDeleteFor what its worth Scout lists Hill as 6'3" so he might not bea quite as undersized as we think. The offer also supposedly came after seeing Hill at camp so it speaks well of the offer.
ReplyDeleteHe's apparently 6'2 1/2"...so I guess I should have rounded up to 6'3".
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