Stephen Hill. Fluff,or real?

[top dawg]

When coaches speak, I listen...sometimes with a grain of salt, very much aware of the context.  But I must admit that I was surprised at Ricky Proehl's recent comment on Stephen Hill as reported by ESPN's David Newton.  

Quote

 

But wide receivers coach Ricky Proehl knew. He recently told WFNZ-AM radio that Hill was “ready to make me famous as a coach."

He said on Wednesday during the second of a three-day minicamp that Hill “would have pushed for a starting job."

“Unbelievable," Proehl said. “That’s how well he was performing in camp last year."

 

Those are strong words coming from any coach, but especially poignant coming from a wide receiver's coach that I assume is very much respected around the league.  I mean, we all know Proehl was respected for his play as a receiver, but as a coach I suppose that he is still making a name for himself. Regardless, as Panthers fans we already have a high regard for Proehl, and for him to be giving Hill such props means something.  

On the other hand, as the Huddle's own @Jeremy Igo imparted to us last year that Hill was notably dropping balls during practice.  Notwithstanding the drops last year, Hill was apparently higher on the totem pole than any of us realized.  Sure Hill was mentioned by coaches and Dave Gettleman during the offseason last year a few times---sometimes as a seeming afterthought, but admittedly a few times once practices began in a positive coach-speak kinda way---but I don't remember anyone saying that his performance was "Unbelievable!" until today. But he was referring to last year. 

This year, Hill has put in even more work due to having to overcome his ACL injury, and has inspired Kelvin Benjamin to do the same. 

Quote

 

Proehl also knows Hill is a big reason Benjamin is on target to be full-go once the team returns to Wofford.

Hill, 25, often pushed Benjamin to work harder on days Benjamin needed a push.

“When you’ve got Stephen busting his tail as hard as he does, it brought Kelvin along with him and helped him get to where he is today," Proehl said.

 

Hill has a great amount of goodwill from the Panthers' brass, is definitely making an impression with his progression in skills and route running, and by all accounts he is catching the ball considerably better. 

The other day, It was pointed out that Ron Rivera didn't mention a couple of receivers as ones that he was excited about, Hill being one of them. It may just have been an oversight that means totally nothing. It really does mean nothing, as training camp and preseason games will ultimately determine roster spots. Just as Hill was impressing Proehl and company last year, he may do so even more this year if the last couple of weeks are any indication. As David Newton suggests, don't get over (the) Hill quite yet. 

[Moorgan]

Hill to Proehl?

[caatfan]

Fluff comes in two delicious flavors, so either way, it's a win. 

10 minutes ago, top dawg said:

It was pointed out that Ron Rivera didn't mention a couple of receivers as ones that he was excited about, Hill being one of them.

Maybe Ron is trying some psychology so Hill keeps his nose to the grindstone. 

I hope Ricky is right. The prospect of a 6'4" guy with that kind of speed is exciting, to say the least.

[The Huddler]

Im on the Hill and Byrd banwagon. 

 

Suprise final cut WRs...

 

1 Benji

2 Funch

3 Hill

3 Byrd

3 Ginn

 

i have 3 recievers tied for #3 on the depth chart because i believe we will ise them interchangably. 

[Ja Rhule]

1 minute ago, The Huddler said:

Im on the Hill and Byrd banwagon. 

 

Suprise final cut WRs...

 

1 Benji

2 Funch

3 Hill

3 Byrd

3 Ginn

 

i have 3 recievers tied for #3 on the depth chart because i believe we will ise them interchangably. 

No Brown?  Dude ran amazing routes last year and got constantly open. 

[therealmjl]

I'll believe all this when I see it on Sundays. It's easy to hype up a weekday warrior...show me something in the game.

[tarheelfan23]

next off season will be fun...when Cpat his FA...i know he will be our #1 target...i really cant wait

[Soul Rebel]

The Brown pessimists on here is pretty interesting.  For an UDFA that is entering his third year (the year that you see the big jump in WRs), as well as a guy that put together a decent season and got better as the season wore on, he is often left off lists.  Nothing against Byrd/Hill/Norwood/Garrett but Brown is not a guy that we need to cut ties with, IMO.  Once Ginn departs after this season, I'd much prefer our roster with Philly on it. 

Post 2016 WR depth:

KB

Funch

Brown

Byrd

Hill

Garrett

[EightyNine]

It's not fluff.  It means he has a chance.  But thats about it.  Armanti Edwards once got called camp MVP...

[ctrcat]

If he were an UDFA I'd say fluff, but a mere 4 years ago he was a high 2nd round pick.  The tools have always been there.  Real Deal Holyfield.

[Panther53521]

I have been saying for a while now that Hill will be our speed replacement for Ginn

[LinvilleGorge]

It'd be awesome if he's the real deal, but let's just say that I'll believe it when I see it.  If Hill becomes a legit WR and Funch takes a big step forward, I'm ready to call Proehl the best position coach in football after what he's already done with Ginn and a very raw rookie KB. 

[top dawg]

A wide receiver battle complete with men with high character, talent, motivation and upside is something I have dreamed about for years for my Panthers. I am excited.

[nctarheel0619]

With us sticking by him, after all the bull poo with other teams literally not wanting him.  Maybe Hill takes a pay cut to come back here if he plays well this season.  Who knows?