27 Jul Preseason Scouting Notes: Kylin Hill, RB, Mississippi State
Senior | 5’11″ 215 lbs | Columbus, MS
An instinctual back with true elusiveness and play speed who shows potential as a threat in the pass game
Overview:
Kylin Hill is the starting running back for Mississippi State in their spread offense. As a 4-star recruit, Hill has yet to disappoint in the maroon and white. He finished last season with 1,350 rushing yards and 10 rushing TDs, bringing his career totals to 2,477 yards and 16 TDs in the run game. Hill has also been used frequently in the pass game, collecting 18 receptions and a TD in 2019 and 44 receptions and 5 TDs in his collegiate career. Look for Hill to continue to tear up the field in both the run and pass games this season as he closes out his career with Mississippi State.
Strengths:
– Slim frame that allows him to shimmy through tight windows around the line of scrimmage
– Instinctual with the ball in his hands. Excellent vision to see holes before they have opened up and is evasive in the trenches
– Good initial burst. Although he is patient before hitting his holes, once he sees his opportunity, he turns on the jets and outruns most defenses
– Thick lower half. Able to keep his legs moving through traffic, which in turn allows him to pick up the tough yards
– Easily muscles through arm tackles and consistently stays on his feet after first contact
– Reliable target in the passing game. He has his fair share of targets and has natural hands, while making the occasional catch with his body
– Squares up to incoming defenders and has a decent anchor in pass protection
– Has prior special teams experience early on in his college career
Areas to Improve:
– Most of the routes he runs as a receiver are shorter. He rarely exceeds more than 5 yards of depth before breaking off his routes
– Questionable long speed. Will not be a home run threat at the NFL level
– Although he is successful hurdling defenders at the college level, he needs to be cautious if he is to continue to hurdle in the NFL
– Less than enthusiastic and shows poor body language when he is not specifically involved in the play
– Not necessarily injury prone, but would be in his best interest to stay healthy
Injury history:
– Ankle injury (2018; missed 2 games)
– Upper body injury (2019; missed 0 games)
Projection:
Hill projects to be selected somewhere between early and middle of Day 3, but if he can clean up the little things he could potentially be selected mid-late Day 2. He’ll fit best in a zone-heavy scheme due to his patience and burst, and will likely start out his career as a backup RB and core special teamer as he works his way up the depth chart.
What to watch for in 2020:
Can Hill expand his route running skills? It may not be within his control, but it would be informative to see Hill run more elaborate routes this season. It’s good to know he is a reliable check-down target for QBs, but can he be a true threat in the pass game and stretch the field? Will we see a change in Hill’s body language on the field or a change of pace when it comes to his effort? His body language when he’s not directly involved in plays is poor.
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- Buffalo native; Sport Management Bachelors, Coaching Minor, Sport Administration Masters.
- One of first females to work for Sports Info Solutions, where she developed a passion for scouting.
- Aspires to be an NFL scout in the future.