Hill honest with teams about problems at UT
For University of Texas cornerback Holton Hill, the NFL scouting combine represented a pivotal moment.
Suspended for the final three games of last season and the Texas Bowl for violating team rules, the Lamar graduate declared early for the draft.
Hill was honest and forthright with teams about what prompted Texas coach Tom Herman to end his season prematurely and was accountable about maturity issues he’s dealt with, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.
As expected, Hill also performed well in the positional drills and testing.
The 6-3, 200-pound former Chronicle Defensive Player of the Year ran the 40-yard dash in 4.49 seconds, bench pressed 225 pounds 14 times and had a 31inch vertical leap.
Texas safety Deshon Elliott stuck up for Hill’s character, noting that NFL teams have made inquiries to him about his former teammate.
“Every now and then, but Hollywood — he’s a great person and a great player,” Elliott said. “People make mistakes in life, but we were young; he’s come along. He’s grown up as a young man and he’s now a man, in my opinion.
“We have very deep conversations over the phone while we’re trying to train and even being here. So, he’s developed now and we feel like he’s on the right track.”
Because of his size and playmaking skills, Hill has drawn some comparisons to Seattle Seahawks All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman.
Hill draws high marks for his big frame, athleticism, ballhawking ability and tackling.
However, the maturity issues he’s displayed have likely dropped him to the final day of the draft.
Before the suspension, Hill was excelling. He had 51 tackles, six passes defended and returned two interceptions for touchdowns. He would have likely been named All-Big 12 if not for the suspension.
“Holton Hill is intriguing,” NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said. “He’s had some offthe-field stuff, obviously, but he’s a long, press corner kind of guy you draw up when you’re looking at corners.”