Chargers rookie wide receiver K.J. Hill is known for one major accomplishment at Ohio State.
Hill left as the Buckeye’s reception leader with 201 catches, surpassing the the likes of Michael Jenkins, Boston Scott and Hall of Famer Cris Carter.
Hill wouldn’t have made the record books if it wasn’t for the advice of Carter. Carter persuaded Hill to stay in college for his senior season rather than making the leap to the NFL.
“I think sometimes when you’re in pursuit of an NFL career, you lose sight of what you went to college for. I also believe that there are skills that he could show in his senior year that would give him potential to have a longer career,” Carter said.
Hill could’ve joined his former teammates Parris Campbell (Colts) and Terry McLaurin (Redskins) in being drafted last year, but the advice of Carter’s paid off in 2019 for Hill.
“It’s always a lot of pressure to put up good numbers because guys want to be drafted high and earn senior awards. And when you’re on a team that’s in the top-5 for the most part, you have to sacrifice. He never got selfish and chase stats compared to being a leader, being consistent, continuing to develop as a football player, and he ended up having a heck of a season.”
Carter highlighted his strengths that helped him become the all-time receiving leader for the Buckeyes which include great hands, route-running ability, and understanding leverage. He also mentioned that the majority of the guys that he surpassed to get the record went on to have great careers at the next level, and he expects the same for Hill.
Going into the draft, Hill was projected as a mid-round pick by many draft analysts but instead, he saw himself slip to Day 3 in a surprising manner. The Chargers weren’t anticipating selecting a wide receiver in the seventh-round having already taken a wideout two rounds before that (Joe Reed). But a player like Hill was too hard to pass up on.
Considered being overlooked on draft day, Hill now has the opportunity to make the other 31 teams that passed on him regret their decisions because not only is Los Angeles getting a good player, but a good person, as well.
“He’s really developed since he’s come to Ohio State, on and off the field. He’s been very, very consistent. He played on the outside and inside. He’s also played on special teams, and I believe he can win a job in the NFL because of his overall versatility,” Carter said.
“And having guys around him that were recruited over him, because that’s what he’s got there with the Chargers. If he’s going to be a slot receiver, he will have Keenan Allen there, which allows him to learn from one of the absolute bests.”
Being able to learn from Ohio State’s wide receiver coach Brian Hartline to Allen now should pay huge dividends. With the traits, skillset and mentorship he’s receiving, Hill will look to leave his mark with the Chargers, just like how he did with the Buckeyes.