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Stephen Hill First Impressions

Jeremy Igo

By Jeremy Igo,
in Carolina Panthers

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Jeremy Igo Newbie

Jeremy Igo

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I attended Panthers practice today to get a look at the new practice squad member, WR Stephen Hill. Practice viewing today was limited, so I focused on the wide receivers for most of the time available.

 

My initial first impression was that he was taller than I expected. He comes across as much taller than Brenton Bersin, even though the difference on paper is only an inch.

 

Stephen-Hill-Panthers-1.jpg

 

Hill chose 87 as his number, previously work by Dominick Hixon and of course Muhsin Muhammad.

 

Stephen-Hill-Panthers-4.jpg

 

 

Overall, he looked much like the other practice squad receivers King and Lucas. He had some drops, but caught most of the balls in drills.

 

Stephen-Hill-Panthers-16.jpg

 

Stephen-Hill-Panthers-18.jpg

 

One thing I did notice that set him apart was the amount of time Ricky Proehl spent with him. Ricky was sure to correct and adjust Hill's routes and techniques every chance he could, even after the drills were finished. It is clear that Ricky intends to get Hill up to speed quickly, and maybe erase some of the bad habits he has developed. From the amount of time spent, there were plenty of those.

 

Stephen-Hill-Panthers-20.jpg

 

Ricky went over with him not only his footwork and body positioning off the line, but also bursting past defensive backs before they can press.

 

Stephen-Hill-Panthers-10.jpg

 

So, overall, to me Hill looked like the other receivers that have potential. Mostly positive, some drops, and plenty of room for improvement.

 

The big question is this: Will he pick up what he has been taught from Ricky quickly, or will he need constant correction. His "coachability" will be the main factor if he sticks on the practice squad long term or elevates to the regular roster.

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Pox 08 Newbie

Pox 08

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Stephen-Hill-Panthers-18.jpg

 

 

 

 

is it me or does it look like he isn't even following the ball with his eyes?   EDIT:  Igo beat me to it.   I noticed quite a few pics from the Jets just like this one.   Where he is just mindlessly staring into the distance and not even paying attention to where the ball is.

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teeray Rookie

teeray

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When/if he gets called up he just needs to execute two routes. Curl and go routes. Then throw him in there in situational plays and force safety to stay over the top of him.

Just use him in the Ginn role is basically what I am saying.

Like Ginn, he can be productive for our offense even without a pass being thrown his way. I am not sure we have anyone else like that right now.

I am obviously a fan of this kid and hopes he does well with us. But if not we didn't really lose anything, which makes it even more exciting

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