2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Harrison Hill, LB, University of Cincinnati

• Name: Harrison Hill
• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 225 lbs
• Position: OLB
• College: University of Cincinnati
• Twitter: @HarrisonTheHill
• Instagram: @_numerodos2

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
My experience as a student has been genuinely good, I’ve maintained good grades and been able to establish lasting relationships with a few of my professors. My Major is interdisciplinary studies, and I’m focusing on health sciences. I’ve interned at the University of Cincinnati for a summer on their strength and conditioning staff for the football team. I have also secured another internship at the Ohio State University post-graduation. Additionally, I have worked part-time throughout school and been involved in different discipleship/ fellowship groups with my teammates. I was fortunate to be involved in 2 “Lift for Life” events at Davidson College where we raised money for rare disease treatment and research through the nonprofit Uplifting Athletes. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My ability to motivate those around me to be better than themselves. I have always been the type of player to want to outwork the next man because I know you can only achieve so much with talent alone. Teammates will know I will always give them my max effort each and every play. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I see myself as one who leads more by example than in a vocal way. I try to let how I work and the effort I give speak more than my words because what would words be without actions to back them up?

With regards to scheme, I could play a hybrid Jack position-that would suit my skill set best. I can cover passes in space but additionally work my pass rush on the edge and get to the QB. Defenses that like to blur the lines between a 4-3 and a 3-4 I believe would be just right for me. I’ve also played on many different special teams units, and also have a blocked punt to my credit while at Davidson. I believe special teams is very essential to game success. I am willing to play whatever role the team needs.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Adam Trautman was a tight-end at Dayton who currently plays for the Saints. He was able to get up and make plays. He also wasn’t easy to take down.

Donald Parham was another tight-end that was great competition. He used his large frame at Stetson to box out players and position himself as a receiver.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Gerrid Doaks is the running back here at Cincinnati. He’s a beast, extremely physical and difficult to bring down. Desmond Ridder is also a great teammate, leader and playmaker.

At Davidson, without a doubt, I would say my old roommate Wesley Dugger. Through the amount of adversity that he faced and what he has been able to accomplish it’s quite mind-blowing. He was about to produce very well and set all kind of records at Davidson.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
In March of 2017, I broke my neck in a car accident and actually had to sit out of football my freshman fall at Davidson. It was an unfortunate accident that left me on the sidelines for a whole year and was something that was difficult to handle mentally and physically. I was limited for months to a neck brace and unable to do several physical activities or exercise. Post recovery I made it a must to come back and solidify a role on defense. My first game of football in over two years as a sophomore I got a pick 6 and was noted Defensive Player of the Week by PFL. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I would probably run track, or I would get into powerlifting. I was pretty good at hurdles in high school but was never able to run my senior year because of my injuries. I made varsity in track for each year that I ran. Additionally, I have always gravitated to the weight room, always working to push the limits I can reach physically. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Honestly, I’m proud of myself for overcoming the adversity that I’ve faced. I’ve been able to overcome quite a few injuries throughout my football career and post recovery I’ve always managed to come back and perform at a higher level than before. I was recruited to a Division 1 program when I had only played 1 full season of football my senior. Being recruited to a PFL school, I also did well keeping up with my school work. Academics were set at a higher standard at Davidson, and I’m proud to have kept a good GPA and was able to transfer to Cincinnati where I’ll be able to showcase my talent on a bigger stage.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
I had a big sack against Georgetown. It was a hot day and a packed house. I made that play on a 3rd down and it deflated the opposition. We made a statement with that game.

Also, another play that comes to mind is my pick 6 against Brevard. That was a 48 yard return.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I’m a Ravens fan, and it’s remarkable to watch Lamar Jackson do his thing on the field. But as for a player at my position, I used to watch Jachai Polite highlights before every game. He is an outside linebacker who played at the University of Florida. Dude has relentless effort and is a playmaker. 

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Pop Smoke, Young Dolph, or Moneybagg Yo. You can’t go wrong with any of those artists. 

What is your favorite comfort food?
Pancakes, waffles, French toast, basically any sweet breakfast food that my Mom makes.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite TV show would have to be Narcos. The Dark Knight Rises is one of my favorite movies. Denzel Washington and Jamie Foxx are some of my favorite actors.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I love training other people in the gym or doing skill-based position training. I like making workout plans and helping people reach their goals. I’m also working on becoming an amateur Call of Duty streamer. 

Who or what motivates you the most?
My parents and family. I want them to be proud of what I do. They’ve given me everything they have and bent over backwards to allow me to go to school and play football. I want to represent my family well so that people know who we are.