2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Mikhail Hill, OL, Nicholls State

• Name: Mikhail Hill
• Position: Offensive Guard/Tackle
• Height: 6’4″
• Weight: 314 lbs
• School: Nicholls State University
• Level: Division I FCS – Southland Conference
• Twitter: mikhail70
• Instagram: _mikhail70

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?

Major: General Studies

Minor: Psychology and History (trying to get masters in psychology)

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

I would say I’ve been very versatile on the offensive line – primarily at guard but I also saw time at tackle. I’ve filled in at center when the guys ahead of me were injured even though it’s not the best fit. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

This year I’m taking on more of a leadership role – I’m taking my knowledge from the older OL guys ahead of me who are now gone and passing it on the youth. 

I feel confident enough to play in multiple schemes. At Memphis we had an up-tempo offense and now at Nicholls we run more power/inside zone. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

Joseph Wallace, DL, Sam Houston State 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Kohen Granier, QB, – he waited his turn when he could have stopped and just given up. Stayed the course and is now feeling the rewards.

What makes you different from others at your position? 

My knowledge of the game – having the ability to play all 5 spots on the offensive line is easier said than done. I’m not the most vocal guy but I always let my work speak for me. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

Last season I tore both ligaments in my pinkie, I played through it but struggled because it messed up my play style. I had to refit my hands and play with a club. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

Track – I did shot-put in middle and high school. I went to state in my senior year. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

Graduating both high school and college is my biggest achievement up to this point. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

In 2019 we played Southeastern Louisiana in the conference championship – we had a forced fumble on Cole Kelley with seconds left on the clock. Won the game and it was a great feeling. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

Favorite athlete: Derrick Rose

I model my game after Trent Williams and Zack Martin primarily, but I always focus on my own stuff as well. 

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

I just try to focus and calm myself down. I don’t want to be extremely overwhelmed. Sitting in my locker and going over plays helps me lock in. 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

I’m just a laid back guy, sometimes I like to golf and play NBA2K or Call of Duty. 

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?

My family the motivates me the most – I had a few cousins that played in the NFL and I want to get to where they were at.

What do you want NFL teams to know about you? 

I want them to know I’m both disciplined and inspired. 

Other notes: 

I didn’t start playing on the offensive line until later in my sophomore year. I was on the defensive line playing against Will Clapp – current Saints offensive lineman. That was a wake up call. The coaches eventually switched me to offensive line from defensive line. I got my first offer from Tulane. Committed to Memphis in my senior year and redshirted when I got there. First college football experience was on special teams. Grandma got ovarian cancer and I wanted to come closer to home in Louisiana – needed a change of pace. Transferred to Nicholls and had a great first season in 2019, playing with guys like Chase Fourcade and Dai’Jean Dixon. COVID hit and my grandma passed away – started putting on more weight and not working out during the shortened season. I eventually fixed things but then Hurricane Ida hit our town of Thibodaux hard – broke the team up all over the place. A few games into that season I suffered the pinkie injury, didn’t turn out to be the season I wanted to.