Interview: 4-Star 2021 Florida WR Tommi Hill Covers Recruiting and Early Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Getting it done on the 7A Florida gridiron carries a lot of weight on the recruiting trail. The Sunshine State is a hotbed of next level talent stocking the proverbial talent shelves for college programs year after year. After the 2018 season, one player teams across the country coveted out of Florida was 2021 receiver Tommi Hill. Hill has all the markings of a next level standout with size, speed, and athleticism with tape to prove it. The 6-2, 190-pound, Edgewater High School standout has earned 21 offers so far and four-star recruiting status. Although the Fightin’ Eagles are two games into their 2019 season, one-game stats have been posted with Hill picking up at a high rate snagging six passes for 100 yards with two scores posted on the big board.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I got an in-depth conversation going with Hill covering his offseason workouts and expanding recruiting process.
Interview
Tommi, the Eagles are off to a great start to the 2019 season with a 2-0 record. What are some of the strengths to the team this season?
“Our leaders. We have a unity counsel on the team with a lot of leaders. When things get bad, we have leaders who pick us up. That is a big difference this season over last season.”
You’ve picked up where you left off last season burning secondaries. What did you work on this offseason to prepare for the 2019 haul?
“I had to pick my leadership skills up on the unity counsel. With my technique, I worked over the offseason with my quarterback more to get develop more chemistry and to develop more chemistry with entire team. I worked on my hands, my routes, my hand-eye coordination, and my footwork. I worked on a lot of stuff this offseason.”
Two games into the season, where are you already seeing the improvements in your game?
“I am mostly seeing it with my route running. I am opening up my stride up for deep balls to separate from the defensive backs.”
How are your skills used within the offense?
“I’m being used all over – going deep, medium routes, and jet sweeps. I will have more stats this year.”
Are you playing any defense this season?
“Yes, sir.”
Which position?
“I am playing corner.”
Are you excited about getting time in on defense?
“Yes, sir.”
What did you work on as a corner this summer?
“I worked on reading my keys. Because I am a receiver, I know the routes receivers will run. At corner, I know what they are going to do. If they spread it in, it is a fly route – stuff like that. I already know it. It will make a big difference this season helping my team. I am working on turning my hips more.”
What goals have you set for the season?
“The goal is to take it one game at a time so we can win state.”
You guys are two games into the 2019 schedule, what are some of the big games coming up on the schedule for you and the Eagles?
Some of the big games coming up are Jones High (Sept. 6), Tallahassee Godby (Sept. 13), Marietta out of Georgia (Oct. 4), and the Winter Park game (Sept. 20; they our rival.”
Closing up with recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Troy, they are showing a lot of interest, and Louisville.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have 21 offers.”
Hill’s Reported Offers: Alabama, Auburn, Central Florida, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, Ohio State, Purdue, South Florida, Syracuse, Vanderbilt, and West Virginia
Nice. Did you visit any schools this offseason?
“Yes, sir. I visited UCF, Florida, and FSU.”
How did the Florida visit go?
“It went well. Florida’s coaches were talking to me and showing me support. Their players were cool. I like their coaching staff. There was good chemistry there.”
And the UCF visit?
“Coach (Jeff) Lebby (OC), he likes me a lot. He wants me to come to every game if I can. He talked to me a lot when I was there. He showed me around the campus. That was a good visit.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“Not right now, but I will schedule some.”
Tommi, it was great getting time in with you today to learn more about your skills and recruiting process. Thanks, and good luck until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Hill family; Tommi Hill
Its UCF not Central Florida.