Cliff Avril on Sammie Lee Hill

by detpistons3 on Jun 6, 2009 6:44 PM EDT

This is from Cliff Avril's player diary on the Lions NFL website:

"We have one rookie in our position group – Sammie Hill. I hung out with him this weekend. On the field, he’s really strong ... and big. But he’s still dealing with all the rookie stuff that I went through last year with remembering plays, remembering what you do, remembering techniques. There’s a lot of stuff coming at you and it’s a lot different from college where you might have had six or seven months to try to learn something or something like that.

"As a rookie, they’re just throwing stuff at you left and right, so you’ve just got to pick out particular things and try to remember them and it’s hard, but it’s the life of a rookie. You just try to pick up on different ways to learn things – I think that’s his biggest thing. If he can just figure out how to learn different things instead of trying to remember every single thing for every single play, I think he’ll be alright. But he’s going to be a monster once he gets it all together. He’s going to be a monster.

This is encouraging to hear from a fellow Lions player. Cliff Avril has been through the rookie experience, and he believes Hill is going to take the Lions by storm.

You can read the rest of the diary entry here

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pride of Detroit or its writers. FanPosts are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable fans.

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I have high hopes for Hill

Due to his college background, I don’t see him being a solid player for a couple of years. He’s raw, but if Schwartz can develop him into a starter, he could be a monster on the Lions’ D-line for years. (yes, I know. thats a big if)

by James L on Jun 6, 2009 7:04 PM EDT reply actions

I agree

by KDawg on Jun 6, 2009 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Future cornerstone?

Many consider Hill to have a bright future, he was a favorite pick of many, including mine. He was a huge steal for the Lions, and a potential diamond in the rough. He has the tools for the position, he has to adjust facing consistent competition day in and day out as well as better the mental aspect of the game. Physically however, he has everything.

We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne

by detpistons3 on Jun 6, 2009 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Gotta like his chances...

Probably one of several players on this team that can benefit from a lack of established players ahead of them on the depth chart. I’m guilty of loving this pick as well, in spite of seeing absolutely no visual evidence that he can do anything other than make impressive jumps starting from a seated position. It’s at least nice to hear that some of teammates are liking his potential as well. I think this is a good fit for the young man from Stillman, and hopefully this batch of coaches can actually do something to develop him.

by Mushy on Jun 6, 2009 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions

agreed

by rbender07 on Jun 6, 2009 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions

+1

I predict we will be talking about him alot in 3 years

by CR on Jun 8, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions

I loved this pick

He is 6-4 332lbs. Hill is huge and athletic, but raw. His build fits the Lions’ vision of a bigger, stronger defensive front. I think that he will have the opportunity this season. To be a contributor on the D-line. Hill is one of the young players. That the Lion fans have alot hopes for.

by JCruize on Jun 6, 2009 8:24 PM EDT reply actions

Big fan of this pick

While he is a big project, I think he has a real shot in 2-3 years of being a starter here in Detroit. Cliff’s a champ by the way, I enjoy reading his dairy entries on the official website.

2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).

by Hyperion Ecta on Jun 6, 2009 9:50 PM EDT reply actions

I agree

I really enjoy these player diaries, they give insight into the Lions that no other media source can

We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne

by detpistons3 on Jun 7, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

Good to hear that!

I don’t think he’ll contribute much more than being a rotational player this upcoming season, but I like what I’m hearing about him so far. I hope he is an absolute beast in 2-3 years. I’m not expecting much in the wins-losses column this year, just some competitiveness and improvement. I’m looking long-term, and I like what I see so far. And this is coming from someone who was against drafting Stafford #1 overall. Like HEs sig says, maybe this is the start of the golden age for our beloved Lions.

by JazzyBBP on Jun 6, 2009 11:47 PM EDT reply actions

Huge Fan Of This Pick.....

…..Especially in the 4th round….they didnt reach and if he doesnt work out its ok becasue it wasent a 1st or 2nd rounder….howecer I think by yrs end this guy will be starting

by BennieBladesFan on Jun 7, 2009 10:00 AM EDT reply actions

Hill

I think Hill will make his impact sooner rather than later. You can’t teach size and thats what Hill has. I don’t mind all this talk about him being raw, he is but if all we want him to do his first season is clog the middle. I think he’ll be able to handle that.

by msivits on Jun 7, 2009 3:04 PM EDT reply actions

I think it will take some time

Coming from a small school, Hill has probably never gone up against offensive linemen who were consistently nearly as big as he is and could execute proper technique in neutralizing him. I won’t be disappointed if it takes him some time to figure out how to beat OG’s who have the tools and know-how to block him. I think he’ll be a very good DT, but like others said, probably in 2-3 years.

by n4ry4 on Jun 8, 2009 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Time and Consistent Coaching

As usual, if we change defensive coordinators and line coaches every other year he will not progress. This guy has a chance to be a bust, or a star. He has the physical tools of a guy like Big Baby, and the background of Ikaika Alam-Francis. He needs to be taught and pushed in the same direction consitently for a period of time. I do hope that he sees some action this year during the regular season. I am a firm believer of playing time (within bounds) for young guys. Sitting out an entire year does not necessarily build confidence, maybe boredum but not confidence.

Hopefully this staff can coach young raw players. It sure would be nice to see the aforementioned Alama-Francis turn into something as well. Stronger than most, but cannot succeed??

by The Maestro on Jun 9, 2009 11:47 AM EDT reply actions