Steep learning curve for receiver Hill

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This article was published 10/05/2024 (487 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Blue Bombers would be wise to be patient with K.J. Hill.

“I’m still learning the rules,” admitted the former NFL receiver, after confirming there are, indeed, only three downs in the Canadian game.

To be fair, CFL rookie camp is an overwhelming experience for those coming from down south as they only have three days to get comfortable with their surroundings before the veterans roll in on Sunday.

Out of the 60-plus aspiring pros at Princess Auto Stadium this week, Hill’s background might be the most impressive of all. He holds the all-time receptions record at one of the most dominant university football programs in the nation: Ohio State.

“I never thought I’d have that,” said Hill, a 6-foot, a 196-pound weapon who had 201 catches for 2,332 yards and 20 touchdowns in 50 games with the Buckeyes.

“It probably won’t hit me until I’m done playing football.”

His numbers helped him get picked in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers. In 21 career games, he recorded 10 receptions, 103 yards, and one touchdown while also getting some work as a returner. He was released after the 2021 campaign and some injuries have kept him out of football until now.

“It’s been rough. I had teams calling me, but I couldn’t go. I was dealing with a calf, then dealing with my hip, and was just rehabbing and getting back healthy. That’s basically all that I’ve been doing.,” said the 26-year-old. “So, I finally got back healthy, I had a couple teams call but nothing really stuck so I had to look towards this way. The CFL and UFL reached out, just different options and I chose the CFL.”

His decision was made easier when he saw his former Ohio State teammate and fellow receiver Austin Mack play a massive role in the Montreal Alouettes winning the 2023 Grey Cup. Mack’s tape — highlighted by 78 receptions and 1,154 receiving yards — led to him getting picked up by the Atlanta Falcons.

It’ll be difficult for Hill to get that kind of production in Blue and Gold with Dalton Schoen and Kenny Lawler on the depth chart, but the Bombers are certainly intrigued in what the former college star can add to an already talented group.

“He comes in with a pretty damn good resume. I think as time goes on, he’ll feel more comfortable,” said head coach Mike O’Shea.

“Today was way better than yesterday. We’re trying to get all the cadences right, all the motions right, trying to get guys waggling at a certain pace and trying to have it all fit in while running routes on a field that’s a little different. I mean, he’s been really good before, so, I think once guys get comfortable, they can start to show us they’re really good again.”

With star returner Janarion Grant unsigned and receiver Rasheed Bailey moving on to the Toronto Argonauts, the door is open for Hill to crack the roster.

“I’m at the bottom of the totem (pole), I know that and that’s how I like it,” said Hill.

“I just gotta keep working and fight my way through it.”

Guardian Caps

If you’re wondering what players are wearing on their heads this week, they’re called Guardian Caps, a piece of foam-padded headgear that goes on top of the helmet.

As a part of the CFL’s health and safety measures, players are required to wear them in training camp during most drills.

Research has shown when worn by one player, they reduce the severity of impact by at least 10 per cent. If both players colliding are wearing the padding, it’s lowered by at least 20 per cent.

The league started the initiative at last year’s training camp.

“This is my first time wearing them,” said Hill. “It is what it is. If they put it on the helmet, I’m going to wear it.”

The NFL is taking it one step further this season as they’re allowing players to wear them during games if they choose to do so. As of now, they are only for practice purposes in the CFL.

“It’s up to (players), really. I don’t have to wear one. Would I have? I don’t know,” said O’Shea. “It’s differnt times. Changes start somewhere. Positive change starts somewhere. We’ll see how it goes.”

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

X: @TaylorAllen31