Interview: 5-Star 2023 Texas LB Anthony Hill has SEC and Big 12 Visits on the Schedule
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As long as running the ball is not outlawed in football, there will always be a need for the intimidating beat-you-down linebacker in the box who can also cover. At Ryan High School in Denton, they have that do-all with the menacing presence on the field in Anthony Hill.
During the Raiders perfect 2020 season, their stud inside linebacker was that guy setting the tone. With a 15-0 record produced and a MaxPreps’ No. 8 national ranking earned, the spotlight got bright on their five-star backer. As the team ascended taking home that 5A Texas trophy, the offers rolled in for Hill. So far, 30 teams have offered spanning all Power Five conferences. With the NCAA dead period lifted, programs are scrambling to get the difference maker on campus.
Interview
Anthony, you were hyperactive in the Raiders defense lining up on the inside of the 4-2 and some at nose guard. Given all the game reps, when your sophomore season wrapped what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game?
I feel like I am good sideline to sideline, taking on blocks and covering.
Your closing speed is impressive, especially on quarterbacks in the backfield. What are you doing this offseason to push your speed and athleticism forward?
I usually go on the track and run two miles. I am lifting, and always trying to get better every day.
Staying in the weight room, what are some of the lifts you are doing to increase your strength?
Squats, bench, cleans, deadlifts, bi and triceps, and abs.
Have you had a chance to max out on any of your lifts? If so, what did you get?
I did. My bench is 335, my squat is 525, and my clean is 295.
Wow. Those are some impressive numbers, especially on power clean.
Thank you, sir.
What are you working on with the fundamentals on defense this spring and summer?
I am trying to learn as much as I can. This year I am calling the defense; I am getting that down. You have to have better conditioning, I am working on all that.
You got some carries out of the backfield, will you do more of that in 2021?
Yes, sir. You will see a little bit more of that with a couple more carries.
*27 carries for 80 yards with four touchdowns
What goals have you set for yourself that you want to accomplish this summer before play starts on your junior campaign?
To get stronger and get ready for the season. I want to get to a couple of schools, but I am just working on getting better.
Have you been to any national camps this offseason?
Yes, I went to an Under Armour camp.
How did that camp go?
It went well. I was competing against the top guys in DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) seeing where I am at and working on getting better.
Are you competing at any college camps?
I am going on a TCU visit and then I am going to Texas on Saturday (June 12) for a personal workout.
It seems you have all the offers possible. Are there any programs showing interest but haven’t offered yet?
None. All that were showing interest have offered.
How many offers do you have?
I have 30.
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
Clemson, Ole Miss, Auburn, South Carolina, and Arkansas.
Hill’s Offer Sheet: Alabama, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Central Florida, Clemson, Colorado, Florida, Florida A&M, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Illinois State, Kansas State, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Mississippi State, North Texas, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Penn State, South Carolina, TCU, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, and USC
You mentioned the TCU visit, are you taking any other visits this summer?
Yes, on June 17th I am going to A&M and on June 26th I am going to Alabama. That’s all for right now.
As you take these visits and talk to the various coaches, what are you looking for in that next level fit?
I want to find a school that best fits me, where the coaching staff is cool, and where I see that I can develop best.
Anthony, thanks for your time today. Wishing you the best of luck with your upcoming visits.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Hill family; Anthony Hill at TCU