Florida RB draws many ACC looks
Junior to Watch: Eddie Hills
School: Palmetto, Fla.
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Position: Running Back
Size and speed: Hills is 5-foot-10, weighs 165 pounds, and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds.
Statistics: As a junior, he rushed for more than 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Honors: Was named all-region as a junior.
Favorite Schools: Clemson, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Iowa, N.C. State, North Carolina, South Florida, Central Florida.
Skinny: One of the Florida Gulf Coast’s top running backs is a deceptive runner who surprises opponents and scouts alike with his big-play ability.
At 5-foot-10 and only 165 pounds, Palmetto’s Eddie Hills led the Manatee-Sarasota-Charlotte tri-county area with more than 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns.
“For his size, he’s an extremely tough runner,” Palmetto coach Bob Bowling said. “He goes north-south better than any kid I’ve had in 10 years. He sticks it up there and runs with authority, breaks a lot of tackles. It’s really amazing to watch sometimes.
“We threw the ball quite a bit last year, too, so for him to lead our three counties in rushing really is a testament to his ability.”
Bowling said Hills needs to commit himself to the weight room more to succeed at the next level, but has strong practice habits and work ethic.
“He’s just a kid who gives it all he has on the field – he’s extremely competitive -- but has never been much for the weights,” he said. “If he can do a little more in the weight room, he could become an even better player.”
Schools showing early interest in Hills include “everyone in the ACC,” Indiana, Iowa, Central Florida and South Florida.
“I think he’d like to stay in the South,” Bowling said.
Hills has a 3.0 GPA and will have his test results soon. He is expected to be qualified as a freshman.