[jwplayer g0gX6XZ7-XNcErKyb]
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — When you’re a five-star recruit, as Michigan defensive tackle Christopher Hinton was, the expectations are through the roof before you even set foot on campus. But Hinton had to wait his turn to see the field, just like anyone else, regardless of his recruiting ranking.
Now, he’s on the field as a starter, not only getting the nod at the 3-technique position on defense, but also getting 31 snaps — his second-most in his college career, behind only the VRBO Citrus Bowl vs. Alabama, when he played 39 snaps.
While he didn’t show up on the stat sheet for the Big Ten season opener on Saturday, Hinton says he’s much more ready this year compared to last when it comes to making a sizable contribution.
“Confidence is one of the largest things I’ve seen myself grow from last year to this year,” Hinton said. “Played in a couple games last year, a couple big games, I just felt my confidence on a different level this year, just confident in my ability, confident in my preparation. Things like that. And it just helped me play more loose and play more freely, like I did on Saturday.
“Obviously, I’m my biggest critic so I never feel like I play well. So there’s always room for improvement, always room for improvement. It’s a great starting block and I’m just ready to do my part.”
[lawrence-related id=29240,29225,29201]
Hailing from Norcross (GA) Greater Atlanta Christian School and rated the No. 31 player, regardless of position, in the 247Sports Composite, Hinton had his veritable choice of schools. But he committed to Michigan all the way back in Aug. 2017, more than a year before he could actually sign with the Wolverines.
He had offers from Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Ohio State and Notre Dame, but Michigan was the one place he felt was the best for him. And, if he could choose all over agin, he’d make the same choice.
“The way I was brought up, I was always brought up education first, because football won’t last you very long,” Hinton said. “In my recruiting, when I was looking at schools, you had schools, certain schools, great football, always top five every year, but when you look at the academic side, they’re far, far down the totem pole. Then you got schools that got great academics, but they don’t compete on the field every year. When you look at Michigan, I honestly feel like it’s one of the only few schools that honestly have a great balance of academics and football.
“Also, the kids on the team are very like-minded. I saw myself in a lot of the kids here and I feel great about my choice coming here. No regrets.”
[vertical-gallery id=29051]