Dawson Hill blossoming into senior sleeper recruit

Dawson Hill has blossomed into a senior-riser in the secondary

Better late than never works in college football recruiting, too.

Nitro (W.V.) High School defensive back Dawson Hill, focused on other positions and even other sports earlier in his prep career, has blossomed in the secondary for the Wildcats amid the program's deep playoff run.

Standing 6-foot-2, the senior has worked at both safety and cornerback at times of late with considerable flashes against both the pass and the run. It was again on display over the weekend as Hill helped NHS get by Farmington (W.V.) North Marion High School in not only registering nine tackles, but forcing a pair of takeaways en route to MaxPreps Player of the Game honors.

The week prior, Hill had another interception and got his hands on another football in the end zone to end a drive.

Armed with good length, strong instincts and the versatility to play multiple positions on the back end, Hill has increased attention from college football coaches at various levels. He reports at 4.6-second 40-yard dash and 4.3 shuttle time to go along with a 3.0 GPA.

"I'm just having fun," Hill said. "I've stayed focused on my technique and my coverage has been strong.

"I've worked on overall technique and try to play with awareness in zone coverage."

SCOUTING NOTES

Hill is quite literally getting better with each critical game on the Nitro schedule, and of course they'll face the toughest test yet on November 29 against undefeated Champmanville (W.V.) High School. The progression in a short amount of time has included a variety of flashes, from solid man-coverage technique to an increased level of short-area explosiveness upon contact.

As the instincts and comfort combine, Hill looks to project as a balanced safety type to can impact all three downs against the run or the pass. His wiry frame could hold more mass as he matures in a college strength and conditioning program, only enhancing his key strengths shown as a senior. Hill's progression looks like that of a true senior riser on tape with the chance to sneak into an FCS-level program once the dust settles.