Anthony Hill

After missing the entire 2007 season due to a left knee anterior cruciate ligament tear, Hill was ready for a breakout senior season. But those best laid plans took a big detour in his first game back on the field. Twenty-six plays into the 2008 season opener vs. South Carolina, the talented tight end was again a resident of State's sidelines as he suffered a chest muscle strain and tear, missing the next four contests. Upon his return, Hill showed the superb pass catching ability that he displayed as a sophomore, grabbing 17 of his total of 19 receptions for 2008 in the season's final seven games. That performance earned the tight end the Ken McNeil Iron Wolf Award, given to the Wolfpack player for the greatest comeback from injury. Hill was a defensive end during his playing days at Clear Brook High School. He was rated 44th in the country at his position by Rivals.com and earned All-Area honors. Looking to improve his academic standing, he enrolled at Hargrave Military Academy in 2003, where he was a teammate of former Wolfpack receiver Darrell Blackman. Hill collected 10 catches after switching to tight end from the defensive side of the ball. In 2004, Hill enrolled at North Carolina State. He appeared in four contests, seeing limited action. He logged 17 plays in those games, including 12 in the season finale vs. East Carolina, but did not catch any passes. He was the recipient of the team's Most Improved Award coming out of 2005 spring drills, where he secured a starting job at tight end. He recorded 23 knockdowns, including eight vs. Florida State, a game-record for a tight end. He also caught 15 passes for 140 yards (9.3 avg) and his first career touchdown, as he also recovered an onside kick vs. Boston College. Hill came into his own as a sophomore, hauling in 45 passes - 15 more than any other player on the team and good for fifth in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He gained 478 yards (10.6 avg), leading the team in receptions in six of the 12 contests he started. His performance earned him All-ACC second-team accolades. Named to the Mackey Award Watch List and ready to garner national attention as a senior, Hill spent the 2007 season on the sidelines after he was granted a medical hardship. During the summer, he suffered a left knee anterior cruciate ligament tear. He underwent surgery and was also held out of 2008 spring ball as he continued to recover. Back in action, Hill started eight of nine games he appeared in during the 2008 campaign. He made a quick recovery after sitting out just four games with his chest muscle injury (doctors originally felt he would miss at least two months). He managed to catch only 19 passes, but gained 234 yards (12.3 avg) and turned four of those grabs into touchdowns. He also delivered 33 knockdown blocks and recorded one solo tackle.

positives

Tall with some strength and long arms. Presents a nice target to his quarterback on bootlegs and in zones. Physical blocking for the run and pass. Finds his target in space, can latch on and push him downfield. Fair lateral movement to stay in front of defensive ends on the line. Lines up in the slot and with his hand down. Uses his length and height to stretch the field. Reliable, soft hands and physical enough to push off defenders and gain yardage after the catch.

compares to

JASON PETERS, Philadelphia -- While this might seem a strange comparison, with added bulk Hill can become a quality offensive linemen. Peters was a tight end during part of his Arkansas playing days and developed into a quality tackle. As a tight end, Hill is strictly a short-area receiver and an extra offensive lineman. Move him to the front of the dining table, beef him up and you might end up with much better value for a mid-round draft pick.

negatives

Built like a receiver. Long strider who lacks quickness out of his stance or the speed to separate, although his height is an advantage downfield. Does not have suddenness in and out of routes, and will round them off. Fails to sustain blocks against quicker defenders in space because he does not bend his knees, has slow footwork and stiff hips. Waist-bender when blocking defensive ends on the edge. Durability concerns abound with ACL and chest injuries keeping him out over the past two seasons.

2007: Sat out the season after undergoing surgery to repair a left knee anterior cruciate ligament in July...The injury would sideline him through 2008 spring drills. 2008: Suffered a pectoralis tear (chest muscle) vs. South Carolina (8/30), missing the next four games vs. William & Mary (9/06), Clemson (9/13), East Carolina (9/20) and South Florida (9/27).

Combine: 4.84 in the 40-yard dash

1.56 10-yard dash

2.72 20-yard dash

4.56 20-yard shuttle

30.5-inch vertical jump

8'11" broad jump

Bench pressed 225 pounds 21 times

33 5/8-inch arm length

10-inch hands.

Attended Clear Brook (Houston, Texas) High School

Rated the 44th-best defensive end in the country by Rivals.com

Spent the 2003 season at Hargrave Military Academy

Caught 10 passes after switching to tight end from the defensive side of the ball.

Sports Management major

Born 1/02/85

Resides in Houston, Texas.