Stampeding Through The Roster: #96 DE Anthony Hill

After skipping #97 yesterday, we are back counting down the days until the season opener against Notre Dame. Up next:

#96 DE Anthony Hill

Junior, 6'4" 293 lbs.

Stats in 2010: Played in 10 of 13 games last season. Played mostly on special teams and as a reserve defensive tackle. Recorded two tackles against Stony Brook in the season opener and one against Pittsburgh in conference play.

Current Spot on Depth Chart: Anthony is currently listed second on the post-spring depth chart behind Patrick Hampton.

How did he come to USF: Anthony's trip to USF was an interesting one. Hill originally signed with FSU, but was told he would have to greyshirt due to scholarship constraints. After what Hill said was a lack of communication between the FSU staff and Anthony, both agreed to part ways in September 2008. Former coach Jim Leavitt quickly offered Anthony a scholarship and he enrolled in January 2009.

Recruiting Rankings: Anthony was a three-star recruit out of Pensacola HS, and was rated the #37 defensive tackle in the class of 2008, according to Scout.com.

Projected Playing Time for 2011: Hill should see some more snaps on the defensive line this year. After switching to from tackle to end during spring practice, Hill seemed to have learned enough to catch a spot on the second team. Hill has always been more of a speed player than a pure run-stopper in his career, and maybe a move to DE will help this. I would almost guarantee to see Hill in at DE during short-yardage situations and don't be surprised if he bumps down to tackle in certain pass-rushing situations.