Anthony Hill Jr. Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)
School: Texas
Class: Junior
Position: LB
HT: 6’2
WT: 238 lbs
Background: Anthony Hill Jr. was a 5-star linebacker out of Denton, Texas in the 2023 class. Hill was one of the two best linebackers in the class and was a top 3 player in the state. Hill was a member of state champion Ryan High School as a senior. In addition to his duties as a linebacker, he was also used as a short yardage running back. In 3 seasons for Ryan, Hill recorded 303 tackles. He was an all-state honoree and was selected as an All-American as a senior. After his senior season, Anthony participated in the All-American Bowl. Hill committed to Texas over USC, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Alabama.
College: As a freshman for the Longhorns, Hill was a Freshman All-American and All-Big 12 honorable mention after posting 66 tackles, 8 TFLs, and 5 sacks. He was also named Co-Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Hill played in every game as a sophomore in 2024, totaling 113 tackles, 16.5 TFLs, and 8 sacks on his way to an All-SEC Second Team selection. Hill’s junior season was one in which he battled injuries towards the end but made an impact when on the field. In 10 games, he finished with 69 tackles, 7 TFLs, and 4 sacks. He was named an All-SEC Second Team selection, once more.
Strengths: Anthony Hill Jr. is a well built and rangy linebacker. He reads the backfield well to diagnose running plays and get downhill in a hurry. He consistently gets to the line of scrimmage to either shoot through and penetrate gaps or to take on blocks to allow his teammates to get to the backfield. Hill is one of the better athletes at the position as he has incredible lateral agility that allows him to change directions as the play progresses. He is able to change directions to mirror the movement of the ball carrier at the line of scrimmage for shooting to make the play. Hill has the arm length to pair with his upper body strength to engage with blockers, extend, and shed to get through. He consistently can shed blockers to remain in the fight and pursue the football. In coverage, Hil does well to diagnose what is going on behind him and is able to get deep in coverage with ease.
Weaknesses: Hill needs to develop more in coverage. He struggles in the transitional part of a route where he is supposed to hand his assignment off to the deep safety. He stays too long on his initial assignment and tends to leave the middle of the field wide open. As a run defender, Hill was asked to blitz a ton. His tackling and TFL production will regulate when he is asked to play a more traditional MIKE role. He also commits to a play too early at times, lunging and putting himself out of position.
Conclusion: Anthony Hill Jr. is a dynamic firecracker of a linebacker who can truly do it all. He needs to reign in technique to put himself in better positions to succeed on a regular basis. As a younger prospect, Hill has plenty of room to grow into one of the best linebackers in the NFL.
Best Team Fits: CHI, NO, MIA
Player Comparison: Jack Campbell
Player Grade: Round 1 (90.2)
