Kylin Hill spent the summer learning.
The Columbus High School junior running back attended many camps and saw his name begin to surface on multiple recruiting web sites.
“The summer was really great,” Hill said. “It was fun attending these camps and meeting so many other players. I was competing against some of the best players in the state and nation at these camps. When I saw something that I wasn’t doing as well as some of the other players, that told me what I really needed to work on.
“Overall, it was a learning experience and really helped me become a much better play.”
How far Hill has come will be on display starting Saturday when Columbus takes over Louisville at 1 p.m. at the New Hope Jamboree, set for Davis Wade Stadium on the campus of Mississippi State University.
“Kylin has gotten bigger,” Columbus second-year coach Randal Montgomery said. “He has gone from about 190 to about 210. He has offers and brings a lot of strength, power and speed to our running game. He is a versatile guy who can play running back. We can split him out as a receiver. He has so much speed you have to take advantage of that.”
Hill spent the off-season in the weight room and on the camping trail. The desire to play Division I ball has led to an intense work ethic. In the meanwhile, he is ready to show what his team can do.
“A lot of people are sleeping on us and we look forward to showing what we can do,” Hill said. “A lot of people have really stepped up during the summer and so far in practice this fall. We have a lot of vocal leaders. Guys are stepping up with encouragement. We didn’t have a lot voices last year. This year has been totally different.”
Fellow junior C.J. Gholar took over the quarterback position for the final four games of last season’s 4-7 campaign. Gholar calls juniors Kendre Conner and Hill “the best running back duo in the nation.”
“The offense is way ahead of where it was last year,” Hill said. “C.J. and I have played together since we were real little. The chemistry is there. It is a very good chemistry. Really the whole offense feeds off the chemistry of quarterback and running backs. We plan to step it up even more during the season. Everybody is excited.
“Since last season ended (with three wins in the last four games), we have been ready to go again.”
Montgomery said the biggest improvement for Hill has been the extra bulk which will allow him to power through opposing team’s defenses.
“Kylin is doing much better with contact,” Montgomery said. “He is a year older and a year wiser. He has the speed. However, one of the hardest thing high school backs have to learn is how to power through people. Sometimes, it is easy to run away from the defender. You can’t always do that. Kylin will be more powerful this year.”
Memphis offered early in the summer. Mississippi State offered at the conclusion of its Big Dawg Camp. Twenty-four hours later, Ole Miss offered after its high school skills camp.
Since Hill is a junior, the recruiting interest is just now beginning. As the numbers are posted and the Falcons begin to take flight, the pursuit will only intensify.
“We have put a lot of hard work in so now it’s time for the season,” Hill said. “From a personal standpoint, I have been working on style and becoming more versatile. As a team, we have been working on playing together as a team and everybody becoming a better leader. We have some good players. Hopefully, it can come together for a great season.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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