Allen Park, Mich.-The Detroit Lions announced today that they have signed rookie DT Sammie Hill to a three-year deal. Additional terms of Hill's contract were not disclosed.
Hill was drafted by Detroit in the fourth round (115th overall) in the 2009 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE: A good athlete with outstanding size and bulk and long arms that will look to be a large presence on the Lions defensive front. One of the best small college prospects from his year’s draft class. Quick and agile. Stout at the point of attack. Jolts blockers with good hand punch, breaks down well, and easily redirects to the action. Moves well on his feet, quickly changes direction, and strings plays out to the flanks. Fights throughout the play, flashes power, and works to get involved in the action. Was a four-year starter for the Tigers, and he set the school record with 44.5 tackles for loss. During his freshman and sophomore seasons, he played defensive tackle and then was moved to defensive end for his final two seasons at Stillman. Named first-team All-SIAC in 2007 and 2008. Hails from the same program that produced Brian Witherspoon (signed by Jacksonville) in 2008.
2008:In his second year at defensive end, he earned first-team all SIAC honors. During his senior season, he played in 11 games and registered career highs with 59 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks and 7.5 sacks.
Scored on a two-point pass play.
Knocked down seven passes and recorded three fumble recoveries.
2007:Was moved to defensive end as a junior by new head coach Greg Thompson. In his first season at defensive end, he was a first-twm all-SIAC selection after collecting 52 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss.
Also caused four fumbles.
Took an interception back 38 yards for a touchdown after dropping back into coverage as a giant middle linebacker.
2006:As a sophomore, he played in 10 games and garnered 41 tackles, two sacks and nine tackles for loss.
2005:Following a red-shirt season, Hill was a defensive tackle and made a splash with 39 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 6 tackles for loss in the nine games he played.
He also caught a pass as a tight end for a 16-yard touchdown.
NOTES OF INTEREST
-Graduated from West Blocton (Ala.) High School where he was selected all-Conference and All-area.
-He was a versatile player as a prepster, playing both offensive defensive line along with tight end, linebacker and even place kicker.
-Was recruited by some schools to play basketball, and he was a catcher on the school’s baseball team.
-Born November 8, 1986.
-He and two college teammates were heroic in their efforts to save a man from a burning house. The three Stillman players were driving by a house when they noticed a distressed woman who needed help. She told Hill and his teammates that here father was inside and they proceeded to rescue him from the burning building.
In Play! Magazine
