He may have to wait for his time, but the University of Alabama has a freshman running back that possesses impressive traits.
Daniel Hill, a four-star prospect in the 2024 signing class from Meridian, Miss., enrolled early for spring practice.
The 6-foot-1, 231-pounder looks the part as a strong athlete. He played wildcat quarterback at Meridian High School, but running backs coach Robert Gillespie sees something special in Hill. The assistant head coach for the Crimson Tide said Hill has ‘picked up on the playbook’ and ‘has learned all the pass-protection aspects.’ Gillespie is excited to see what this young man becomes.
Alabama RB Coach Robert Gillespie speaking here https://t.co/dVKGsRMUV1
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) March 9, 2024
“You can tell that Daniel was a quarterback,” Gillespie said.
“He is very smart. He has been really, really good. He has to get in shape. You can still see that he’s thickened a little bit when he’s out on the field, so he’s playing a little slow. But, he is a tough kid, he’s willing. The 4th Quarter Program was really good to see him fight through some injuries he was having, and that is when he started earning respect from his teammates. He is a young kid, but he is working his tail off. So, it has been really good.”
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Justice Haynes, a sophomore running back, said Friday that he’s teaching Hill the way at Alabama.
The former five-star in the 2023 signing class sees a ‘grinder’ in the true freshman.
“I love the way he works,” Haynes said about Hill. “I love the way he wants to be coached, and the way he takes coaching. I love the way he runs… he’s a physical dude. He is strong. He is a strong cat. That is one thing, Daniel is strong. He is physical dude, a funny dude, an amazing dude, and I love being around him. I am thankful he’s in the running back room with us.”
Hill is going to fun to watch in the future as he continues to grow at Alabama.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
