Dwyer vs Hill

[dmurdock]

I have gained a ton of respect for Stephen Hill since the first of the year. I, like most, was disappointed and a bit surprised when he declared.

Let's go back to Dwyer. Extremely talented and projected to go in the first 3 rounds. Didn't train well before the combine (injury related), decided to participate regardless resulting in poor showing, for whatever reason ended on the positive drug test list, probably didn't interview well and fell to the 6th round. Showed up to camp overweight 2 years in a row, was lambasted by the head coach during training camp his rookie year and has struggled to get playing time.

Now Hill. Told he wouldn't be drafted in the first 5 rounds, had the confidence to declare anyway. After declaring, heads down to Tampa to train with some experts who know how to prepare for an NFL combine. Works out with an ex-NFL receiver to improve his weak point of route running. Blows everyone away at the combine. Apparently interviews well. Late projections have him going in the first round before he slides to the 2nd round, but team that drafts him gushes about him and the head coach states he expects him to start as a rookie before Hill even participates in a practice. Gets a playbook after the draft and immediately starts studying and working on team's routes. Signs a contract within a week of the draft so he can concentrate on football. Wows everyone at first practice with his hustle, energy and ability.

So basically, everything that Dwyer did wrong, Hill has done right.

Here is an article on his first practice with a video interview.

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/201...ppy_to_be.html

[dressedcheeseside]

Very impressive. I've changed my impression of the young man, too.

[andrew]

Great story and very happy for him. When he declared I said maybe he could become an "anti-Dwyer", and as your post describes, that's just what he did.

[BuzzCzar]

http://www.ganggreennation.com/2012/...t-stephen-hill

[goodbyte]

Very impressive in all respects.

Dodd always said that as a student athlete, if you played football at a school, particularly a top school like GT, and did not get a degree out of it, then you got a raw deal. I agree with that sentiment but also realize that in this day and age, not going to the NFL as early as possible means essentially burning $1 million.

I hope he comes back to GT and finishes his degree.

Regardless, best of luck to Stephen Hill.

P.S. I hope the Jets sort out their locker room problems this season and curb their loudmouth coach. I think Tebow will definitely have a positive effect on that front.

[SullyGT]

Dwyer has done nothing but disappoint since being drafted.

[BuzzCzar]

Originally Posted by SullyGT

Dwyer has done nothing but disappoint since being drafted.

not true, his first carry was really good

[lonestarjacket]

True, but lets not forget that Dwyer performed well while he was HERE, wearing OUR uniform.

I am happy for Hill's prspects and hope he does well, but I am also a little miffed he didn't apply that tremendous work ethic he used to improve his standing in the draft while he was still playing games for us.

I think many have made the same observation that he was the "anti-Dwyer" but let's keep the perspective that is not all a good thing from a GT fans POV.

I hope Dwyer gets his act together as well. We know the potential is there.

[wesleyd21]

I'm very proud of Stephen Hill. He's a great interview, very professional. And he's worked his tail off. I liked what he said about "going out there with my best friend and he'd call out a route...and I'd run it."

He's definitely taking care of his ---- which is awesome to see.

[dressedcheeseside]

Originally Posted by wesleyd21

I'm very proud of Stephen Hill. He's a great interview, very professional.

I'm just glad he doesn't interview like Bay Bay.