Marge Claypool

Written by Marge Claypool

Modified & Updated: 27 Sep 2024

40-facts-about-justice-hill
Source: Espn.com

Who is Justice Hill? Justice Hill is a dynamic running back for the Baltimore Ravens, known for his speed and agility. Born on November 14, 1997, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hill's journey began at Booker T. Washington High School, where he earned Oklahoma All-State honors. He then shined at Oklahoma State University, leading the Big 12 in rushing yards and touchdowns in 2017. Drafted by the Ravens in 2019, Hill quickly made his mark with a blazing 4.40-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Despite challenges, including injuries and competition, Hill's athleticism and versatility make him a valuable asset in the Ravens' backfield.

Key Takeaways:

  • Justice Hill, a talented NFL running back, rose from high school stardom to NFL success. His speed and agility make him a valuable asset to the Baltimore Ravens' backfield rotation.
  • Despite facing challenges, Justice Hill's athleticism and potential as a third-down pass catcher position him for a promising future in the NFL. His ability to make defenders miss and elusiveness make him a valuable asset to any team.
Table of Contents

Early Life and High School Achievements

Justice Hill's journey to the NFL began in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His early years were marked by impressive performances on the high school football field.

  1. Birthdate and Place: Justice Hill was born on November 14, 1997, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

  2. High School Career: Hill attended Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was a three-star player and earned Oklahoma All-State selection and 6A-II Offensive Player of the Year honors as a senior.

  3. High School Statistics: During his senior year at Booker T. Washington High School, Hill rushed for 1,142 yards and scored 32 touchdowns, averaging 9.9 yards per carry.

College Football at Oklahoma State

Hill's talent caught the attention of Oklahoma State University, where he continued to shine on the football field.

  1. College Selection: After high school, Hill signed with Oklahoma State University, where he played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

  2. College Career: As a true freshman at Oklahoma State in 2016, Hill started the season as a backup but quickly emerged as a key player. By the start of Big 12 play, he had 122 yards and his first career touchdown against Baylor.

  3. Big 12 Newcomer of the Year: In 2016, Hill received Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and Freshman All-American honors for his outstanding performance.

  4. Leading Returning Rusher: Entering the 2017 season, Hill was the leading returning rusher in the Big 12.

  5. 2017 Season Stats: In the 2017 season, Hill led the Big 12 in carries (268), rushing yards (1,467), and rushing touchdowns (15).

  6. College Statistics: Over his three-year career at Oklahoma State, Hill rushed for 3,539 yards and scored 30 touchdowns. He also caught 49 passes for 294 yards and one touchdown.

Entering the NFL

Hill's college success paved the way for his entry into the NFL, where he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens.

  1. NFL Draft Selection: The Baltimore Ravens selected Justice Hill in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

  2. NFL Combine Performance: At the 2019 NFL Combine, Hill was the fastest running back with a 40-yard dash time of 4.40 seconds, which was 0.5 seconds faster than the next fastest prospect.

  3. Vertical Jump and Broad Jump: Hill also excelled in other athletic tests, ranking first in the vertical jump (40 inches) and tied for the best broad jump (10-foot-10).

  4. Weight Gain: Since his freshman year of college, Hill has gained more than 30 pounds, going from 171 pounds to 200 pounds by the time he entered the NFL.

Role with the Baltimore Ravens

Hill's role with the Ravens has evolved over the years, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.

  1. Role in the Ravens: Initially, Hill was expected to be a speedy change-of-pace back to catch defenses off guard after dealing with bruisers Mark Ingram and Gus Edwards.

  2. Third-Down Pass Catcher: Hill has also shown potential as a third-down pass catcher, having practiced primarily with the receivers during his final collegiate season.

  3. Rookie Season: In his rookie season, Hill played a significant role in the Ravens' backfield, particularly after J.K. Dobbins suffered an Achilles tear.

  4. 2023 Season Stats: In the 2023 season, Hill carried 84 times for 387 yards and three touchdowns, adding 28 catches for 206 yards and one receiving touchdown.

  5. 2024 Projections: For the 2024 season, Hill is projected to see a substantial increase in playing time, potentially competing with Keaton Mitchell for backup snaps once Mitchell is fully recovered from his ACL tear.

  6. Contract Details: Hill signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the Ravens in March 2023.

  7. Coach John Harbaugh’s Praise: Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has praised Hill, noting that he is a high-caliber running back who will maintain a valuable role in the backfield rotation behind Derrick Henry.

Athleticism and Skills

Hill's athleticism and skills have been key factors in his success on the field.

  1. Complementary Role: Despite Derrick Henry being the clear lead back, Hill is poised to have a key complementary role in Baltimore's backfield, providing a different style of play compared to Henry.

  2. Competition for Roster Spot: Hill’s main competition for a roster spot will be undrafted rookie Keaton Mitchell and fifth-round rookie Rasheen Ali, as well as Owen Wright.

  3. Fantasy Outlook: In fantasy terms, Hill is considered a valuable asset due to his ability to make defenders miss and his elusiveness in the open field.

  4. NFL Stats Comparison: Advanced NFL stats show that Hill’s draft workout metrics place him among the top percentile ranks for his position, indicating his exceptional athleticism.

  5. Height and Weight: Hill stands at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 197 pounds, which is slightly above his college weight but still considered undersized for an every-down player in the NFL.

  6. 40-Yard Dash Time: His 4.40-second 40-yard dash time is one of the fastest among running backs at the NFL Combine, showcasing his speed and agility.

  7. Vertical Jump and Broad Jump: Hill’s vertical jump of 40 inches and broad jump of 130 inches demonstrate his explosive power and ability to change direction quickly on the field.

  8. Bench Press and Hand Length: Hill’s bench press of 21 reps and hand length of 9.50 inches indicate his strength and hand size, which are crucial for ball security and pass protection.

  9. Arm Length: His arm length of 31.63 inches is slightly above average, which could help him in pass protection and receiving situations.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Hill has received numerous accolades and recognition for his performances.

  1. College Accolades: During his college career, Hill received numerous accolades, including Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and Freshman All-American honors in 2016.

  2. High School Accolades: In high school, Hill was named Oklahoma All-State selection and 6A-II Offensive Player of the Year as a senior.

  3. NFL Network’s Praise: NFL Network analyst Peter Schrager identified Hill as the rookie running back he was most excited to watch in 2019, describing him as an “absolute fireworks show” in college.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

Despite his success, Hill has faced challenges and areas where he needs improvement.

  1. Pass Protection Needs Improvement: Despite his athleticism, Hill needs work in pass protection, which was a liability even during his college days with the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

  2. Short-Yardage Plays: Hill lacks the push to be a factor in short-yardage plays, which is a common challenge for smaller running backs in the NFL.

  3. Receiving Ability: While Hill is not considered an average receiver, he has shown potential as a third-down pass catcher, which could be valuable in the Ravens’ offense.

  4. Fantasy Value: In fantasy terms, Hill’s value is tied to his ability to make defenders miss and his elusiveness in the open field. However, he needs to show better ability as a receiver in training camp and the preseason to expect much fantasy value.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Hill's future in the NFL appears promising, with opportunities to further develop and contribute to his team.

  1. Ravens’ Backfield Depth: The Ravens have a deep backfield with Derrick Henry, Keaton Mitchell, Rasheen Ali, and Owen Wright, which could limit Hill’s playing time unless he excels in specific roles.

  2. Injury History: Hill has dealt with injuries, including an Achilles injury during his college days, which has impacted his playing time and development in the NFL.

  3. Career Outlook: Despite the challenges, Hill’s talent and athleticism suggest that he can find a role in the NFL as a complementary back who can fill in as a primary rusher on occasion. His ability to make defenders miss and his elusiveness in the open field make him a valuable asset to any team.

  4. Career Outlook: Despite the challenges, Hill’s talent and athleticism suggest that he can find a role in the NFL as a complementary back who can fill in as a primary rusher on occasion. His ability to make defenders miss and his elusiveness in the open field make him a valuable asset to any team.

Justice Hill: A Dynamic Force in the NFL

Justice Hill's journey from Tulsa to the NFL showcases his determination and talent. Born on November 14, 1997, Hill's high school success at Booker T. Washington led him to Oklahoma State, where he became a standout running back. His impressive college stats and athletic prowess caught the Baltimore Ravens' eye, leading to his selection in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Hill's speed, agility, and elusiveness make him a valuable asset for the Ravens. Despite challenges like injuries and competition, Hill's role in the backfield remains crucial. His ability to make defenders miss and contribute as a third-down pass catcher adds depth to the Ravens' offense.

As Hill continues to develop, his potential to impact the NFL grows. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how this dynamic running back shapes the future of Baltimore's backfield.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Justice Hill?
Justice Hill is a professional football player known for his agility and speed on the field. As a running back, he's made significant contributions to his team, showcasing his talent in both college and the NFL.
What college did Justice Hill attend?
Before making his mark in the NFL, Justice Hill showcased his skills at Oklahoma State University. There, he quickly became a standout player, impressing fans and scouts alike with his performances.
Has Justice Hill received any awards or recognition?
Absolutely! Throughout his career, both in college and professionally, Justice Hill has earned various accolades. These highlight his exceptional talent and hard work, making him a player to watch.
What makes Justice Hill stand out in his position?
Hill's remarkable speed and agility set him apart. His ability to swiftly navigate through defenses and find openings makes him a valuable asset to his team and a challenging opponent on the field.
How can I follow Justice Hill's career and achievements?
For those keen on keeping up with Justice Hill's journey, social media and sports news platforms are your best bet. They provide updates on his performances, achievements, and any upcoming games.
What impact has Justice Hill had on his team?
Hill's impact is undeniable. His dynamic playing style and ability to make crucial plays have significantly contributed to his team's successes. His presence on the field often boosts the team's performance and morale.
Can Justice Hill be considered a role model for aspiring athletes?
Certainly! His dedication, hard work, and achievements make him an excellent role model for young athletes. Hill's journey from college to professional football exemplifies what can be accomplished with perseverance and passion for the game.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.