K.J. Hill

Wide Receiver / Ohio State

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about this Senior Bowl experience.    

K.J. Hill:  It is an honor to be invited.  The players that have played in it.  The atmosphere around here is crazy.  It is a big stage to be on.  All of the top players around here.  I just want to come out here and compete.

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to show NFL teams this week?

K.J. Hill:  I want to show the teams that I am a competitor.  First of all, I don’t like losing.  I am also a versatile receiver.  I can play outside and inside.      

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

K.J. Hill:  A team highlight was winning the Big 10 championship three years in a row.  Making the playoffs this year was a highlight.  It was a big deal for us.  Playing against a great team like Clemson.  Individually, being a team captain.  I always wanted to lead a team.  I couldn’t before because we always had guys in the room that were older like Terry McLaurin and Parris Campbell.  They were the leaders at the time.  I didn’t have to be vocal.  I didn’t have to be the guy.  But it was my turn to fill that void this past year.  I feel like I did that.    

Alex Khvatov:  What was the biggest difference between Urban Meyer and Ryan Day?  Was anything different?

K.J. Hill:  Nothing was different.  Coach Day was under coach Meyer.  He learned from him.  The only thing that was different was the age difference.          

Alex Khvatov:  What was the difference between Dwayne Haskins last year and Justin Fields this year? 

K.J. Hill:  Dwayne is not as mobile as Justin.  Justin can fly.  He is athletic.  We can do different things with the read option this year.  We can run more with Justin.  Dwayne is a pocket passer.  He has a great arm.    

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about that semifinal game against Clemson this year. 

K.J. Hill:  It was fun.  We were competing.  We left it all out on the field.  We just fell short.  At times, we beat ourselves.  The calls went the other way.  It was a great game. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who was the toughest corner to face in practice at Ohio State?

K.J. Hill:  It depends on the day.  It could be (Jeff) Okudah or (Damon) Arnette.      

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

K.J. Hill:  Improve on being more firm in the blocking game.  I just need to finish guys.  At the next level, there will be bigger and faster guys. 

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at Ohio State?

K.J. Hill:  I was originally committed to Arkansas.  I was going to stay home at Arkansas.  But I decided to de-commit from there.  I didn’t feel like I was a good fit in the scheme.  Alabama and Ohio State were my last two options.  Ohio State was a better pick.  Coach Meyer was hands on with the receivers.  He was the receiver guru.  They had just beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and won a National Championship. 

Alex Khvatov:  How could you turn down Nick Saban?

K.J. Hill:  It was hard.  Business is business.        

Alex Khvatov:  What one word best describes you? 

K.J. Hill:  Winner.