Hill set to make an impact
FOXBORO — Patriots running back Jeremy Hill decamped LSU for the NFL in 2014 with a transition plan in place.
“Coming out of the draft I was trying to be an every-down back and do all that stuff and scoring long touchdowns and scoring short touchdowns,” Hill said following yesterday’s training-camp session behind Gillette Stadium. “I still see myself being that guy on every down by catching the ball and running the ball and I can bring that to this team for sure.”
Hill was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round (55th overall) after two productive seasons with the Bayou Bengals in Baton Rouge, La. He was immediately incorporated into the Cincinnati offense as an all-purpose back and was on an upward trajectory before suffering a season-ending ankle injury last November.
Hill rushed for 2,873 yards on 704 carries in 54 games with 29 touchdowns. He emerged as a competent backfield option for quarterback Andy Dalton with 67 catches for 484 yards and a touchdown. Hill compiled everything he learned in Cincinnati and updated his transition plan when he signed with the Patriots in March.
“Everyone here comes in here with the same mentality and that is to get better and do your job,” said Hill. “Everyone brings it every day and you don’t have to worry about anyone else. You just worry about yourself and doing what you’re supposed to do and everything will fall into place with this program. Coach (Bill) Belichick does a good job putting that in place and if you come in and do that you’ll do fine.”
Hill is a self-proclaimed “hard-nosed” ball carrier, just as comfortable running between the tackles as catching the ball in space. He is on a depth chart now overloaded with a diverse stable of running backs. The group includes Rex Burkhead, James White, Mike Gillislee, Brandon Bolden and Ralph Webb, all boosted by slick tailback Sony Michel out of Georgia, the Pats’ 31st overall pick in the 2018 draft.
“I’m a hard-nosed guy and I love to score touchdowns,” said Hill. “That’s what I’ve done everywhere I’ve been and it’s fun when I’m doing my thing. I’m hard-nosed and I like to break tackles and get the tough yards through the Oline in tough yardage. I can catch the ball, too, so they can use me as a receiver. I think I have a high football IQ and I study the game.”
Hill is delighted by the opportunity to line up behind Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. While Belichick is in charge of the overall operation, Hill quickly learned Brady calls the shots on the field.
“I think every football player thinks in their minds they can play forever and he’s probably the only one that has actually done it and done it at a such high level,” said Hill. “Coming out here every day and being in the middle of the team and helping us in every way and getting us situated and watching everything. That’s why I’m looking forward to an exciting season.”