Have you noticed the season Missouri’s Michael Sam is having? I guarantee every offensive coordinator and offensive line coach on the Tigers schedule has. The redshirt senior defensive end is having a breakout year, the kind you might not expect to see from an unheralded two-star prospect.
As a large sample size, star ratings are accurate. Five stars are better than fours; fours better than threes, etc. That said, there are plenty of outliers, including Sam.
Kolin Hill, at this point, is yet another.
The defensive end/outside linebacker from Schertz Clemens has flown, pursued and tackled under the radar all the way into November of his senior year, but with his recent offer from Notre Dame those days are over.
Consider his offers: Boise State, Colorado, Holy Cross, McNeese State, Notre Dame, Texas State, UTSA and UTEP.
One of these is not like the others. Okay, well Holy Cross and Notre Dame share some distinct similarities but you get the point.
Now consider his highlights:
Kolin Hill - Highlight Videos, Schedule & Roster - Hudl
Want to bet he doesn’t finish as a two-star?
That whole lead in is meant to serve as medication for those afflicted with Star RatingSyndrome. In the end, stars don’t really matter. Film matters first; the stars typically align correctly after. With Hill, it’s just the opposite, but it’s likely to be remedied.
I caught up with the 6-foot-2, 222-pound defender to see what Texas, amongst others, has to say.
Inside Texas: Damn, my bad. Sorry for not knowing about you sooner. I really like what little I’ve seen.
Kolin Hill: Ah don’t worry about it.
IT: I have some thoughts on you as a player, but first what position are you being recruited for?
KH: Pretty much everyone, including Notre Dame likes me at outside linebacker.
IT: I can definitely see that. Are you familiar with Anthony Wheeler from Dallas Skyline?
KH: I don’t think I’ve heard of him.
IT: He’s a year behind you, but you guys have similar size and game; good quickness, great backside pursuit. You guys are both athletic enough to where you can also play in space. I think you can play in either 4-3 or 3-4. Notre Dame runs a good scheme for you. Was the offer a surprise?
KH: It was. I had received letters and stuff but when they offered I was surprised. We hadn’t talked that much.
IT: I understand you’re going to take a visit to South Bend.
KH: Yes, I think it’s on December 13th.
IT: Is there any chance you commit while on that visit?
KH: I want to wait until after Christmas but if the visit goes great, I might commit while I'm up there.
IT: What other schools will you take officials to?
KH: Colorado and probably Texas Tech. Tech hasn’t offered but they’re showing interest. Coach Jinks and I have been talking.
IT: He’s a big name in your part of the world.
KH: Yes he is.
IT: I hear Texas is interested. What’s going on there?
KH: Texas contacted my coach on Thursday then on Friday I talked to Coach Shipley and then Coach Giles.
IT: What did they say?
KH: Coach Giles said he likes the way I move and that I have good hips. They also invited me to practice tomorrow (Tuesday) and I’ll be making the trip.
IT: Do you think an offer is coming your way?
KH: I don’t know. I think they really want to make sure I’m not 5-foot-11 and take it from there. I’m almost 6-foot-3.
IT: Ha! That’s good to hear. I get it all the time, “yeah man I’m 6-foot-3.” Then when I see them in person they’re my height. I think God made me 6-foot-0 so it’s easy for me to judge height.
KH: [laughing] My size is accurate.
IT: Before I let you go, did you grow up with a favorite school?
KH: Favorite school is A&M and that was way before Manziel got there.
IT: That’s rare. Have you heard from A&M?
KH: Not much. They’ve contacted my coach but I haven’t talked to them.
IT: Well man, I appreciate your time. Let me know how the visit goes tomorrow and good luck on an offer.
KH: I will. Thank you.
Summary:
We know Texas wants another quick edge rusher and Hill could fit that bill. Couple that with 3-4/4-3 duality and he’s an intriguing piece of soft clay. He’s a bit raw - needs to use his hands more - but he has the materials you want to see. Though I say he’s raw, that doesn’t mean he can’t play early on passing downs. Pin his ears back and tie a steak around the quarterback’s waist.
