Chargers wide receiver K.J. Hill gives his position coach plenty of credit for his development the past two seasons.
Former NFL wide receiver and current wideout coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes – Brian Hartline – has had a huge impact on the positional group as a whole since taking over in 2018. But he’s also had an influence on the success of the individuals that he’s coached.
Parris Campbell, who was drafted by the Colts in the second-round and Terry McLaurin, a third-round selection by the Redskins in the 2019 NFL Draft were just a pair of reflections of Hartline’s expertise.
This year, K.J.Hill joined the crop of receivers who attributed their progress to Hartline. After leading the team in receptions (57) and posting a career-high in touchdowns (10) in 2019, Hill was drafted by the Chargers in the seventh-round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Known for his smooth route-running ability and ball skills, Hill finished as Ohio State’s all-time leader in receptions (201), with 2,332 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns.
In a league where getting open is an absolute must, Hill checks the boxes. Who was the one that taught him the finer details of the position? Hartline. But it was more than just that. Not only did he aide in his development as a receiver, but he helped prepare him for the next level.
“Working with Coach Hartline was the biggest thing I had going for me,” Hill said, per Ric Serritella. He taught me how to be a pro. It was not even from route running. He taught me things like accountability, being a great practice player.
He would just tell us sometimes in practice, like ‘Those things will get you cut in the league.’ So I feel like I got a jump on everybody just because he was my position coach.”
Hartline played for the Buckeyes from 2005-2008. Following his collegiate career, he played in the NFL with the Dolphins from 2009 to 2014 and the Browns in 2015 before retiring.
Now that Hill won’t have Hartline for his guidance on a daily basis, that doesn’t mean he won’t receive the proper mentorship. Keenan Allen, who Hill compares his game to, will be there to show him the ropes.
“I’m a route technician,” said Hill, adding that he used to watch tape of Allen while he was in college.
Even though he was selected in the last round, Hill has the talent and skillset to play a vital role as early as his rookie season. He has the opportunity to win the WR3 job to play alongside Allen, Mike Williams and Hunter Henry in Year 1 and become a major contributor for years to come.
