According to sources close to Adam Silverstein of OGGOA, Florida Gator junior safety Will Hill has chosen not to return to Gainesville for his senior season so he could enter the 2011 NFL draft. But the question is.. is that the right choice for Hill?
Hill, a five-star prospect out of high school, recorded 132 tackles, four interceptions and one forced fumble during the three years he contributed at Florida. In 2008, Hill was assigned to the SEC All-Freshman team after finishing with 22 special team tackles. During the 2009 season Hill started five games and led in tackles for special teams again.
Looking at his junior season, Hill grabbed two interceptions which both were against the Bulldogs and one that was in overtime that played a big part in the Gators win.
Hill has faced a little bit of trouble early in the season and at the end. Due to disciplinary issues, Hill was suspended for the Miami (OH) and South Florida game back at the beginning of September and he was recently held out for the beginning of the 2011 Outback Bowl against Penn State.
Something that didn’t really surprise me when I read Adam’s story was when the final whistle blew of the Outback Bowl game, Hill left the field right after the game ended without celebrating with any players or coaches. Who knows why in the world he did that but maybe it had to do with him being benched at the beginning of the game. But it also may be a sign that Will wants to get out of Gainesville.
Even before the season started Will was expected to be a high pick in the 2011 NFL draft but now it looks like he is going to have to really impress the scouts at the combine if he wants a good spot in the NFL draft. ESPN has Hill listed as a 68 for their defensive backs who they think is draftable. Ahmad Black is rated at a 76 by ESPN. Hill is one of those guys who would have a down type season but blows up during the workouts. I don’t see him as a top 100 draft pick but maybe a fourth rounder or so possibly.
Around late December, Will Hill was posting his farewells to the University of Florida and to the fans. Also on January 5th, Muschamp had his first team meeting and Hill was not present. More news on this will be released by Gator Sports Nation.
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One area of Gator football news that I think is neglected is how Gator NFL recruits are doing, especially the most recent. I find out by watching the limited games that are telecast, but little overall reporting. Once or twice a season would be great.