Film Don't Lie | Brandyn Hillman
Earlier in the fall Notre Dame sent out an offer to a prospect who was barely on anyone’s radar, didn’t have a long offer list, and because of that, it didn’t generate a ton of buzz when it happened.
Irish fans should be buzzing now that Brandyn Hillman has committed. He’s legitimate blue-chip prospect with electric athletic traits and the potential to play on both sides of the football.
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 200
Projected Position: TBD
ISD Grade: 91 (4-star)
National Average Grade: 89.5 (4-star)
What he does best:
Hillman plays quarterback for his high school and is a dynamic runner. His speed and acceleration pop on film and some of the things he does to make defenders miss are exceptional. Not only does he hurdle a defender here, he is able to keep his balance and kick it up a gear to make it a house call.
He has great lateral agility. It’s easy to see why he could end up being a weapon offense because he can make defenders miss in the open field. If he ends up at receiver, he’s definitely someone who can be dangerous after the catch.
He is physical on defense. He screams downhill like a freight train as a hitter and hits through ball carriers.
Hillman flashes fluidity in coverage and explosiveness as a blitzer. Good luck to any back trying to pick him up who doesn’t recognize the blitz immediately.
What he needs to improve:
It really all depends on where he ends up. He’s going to be someone who likely needs time to develop wherever he plays, whether it is on offense or defense.
He’s such a great athlete that I don’t believe the physical aspects of a new position should be an issue, it will be more about the playbook.
What’s his ceiling?
I think his ceiling is sky high, which is exactly why Notre Dame is taking a player who doesn’t have a defined position. You simply can’t deny his speed and twitchiness.
I’m not sure where they will end up playing him and as I was watching him I wasn’t trying to think of comparable prospects, most of whom played offense in college. The player he reminds me the most of as an athlete is Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who was as hybrid as you can get in high school.
I could see him developing into an outstanding nickel defender who can play multiple roles in a defense, but I think he has the chance to be very good no matter what side of the ball he ends up on.
His upside is as high as almost anyone they have committed in this class. It just may take a while to find his fit and for him to reach his ceiling.
Who he could be:
Former ND linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
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