Very few high schools in America have a single prospect talented enough to earn a football scholarship offer from Ohio State. Even fewer have multiple players with that distinction, but somehow Hubbard High School in Hubbard, Ohio has two players at the same position with Buckeye offers. In 2015, it's running back Larry Scott, Jr. and in 2016 it's his backup — George Hill — with the honor.
While most indications are that Scott is leaning towards a college career in East Lansing, the Buckeyes are hoping to seal the deal with Hill soon. The 6-foot-tall, 185-pound junior-to-be will visit Columbus for the first time this weekend.
"I'm planning on committing to a college right before my junior season or maybe right after," Hill told Eleven Warriors heading into his Ohio State visit. "But, if I fall in love with a school that first time, it's possible I commit earlier."
Hill makes no bones about his affection for the Buckeyes.
"(The Buckeyes) have been a favorite of mine since I was little, like four-years-old," he said. "Getting a scholarship offer from them means a lot. They are my favorite college football team, so it's amazing. It makes me feel like I've reached a big goal of mine, but now it's time to work harder and continue to get better."
Off the field, Hill is as impressive as he is on it.
"I've worked really hard to get better and I've worked hard to get where I am at now," he said of his focus on being a positive person and student. "I'm a good student, and without education, you're basically a nobody. That has to come first."
As a player, Hill is a homerun hitter, a dasher in contrast to Scott's basher, and the pair give Hubbard one of the country's best duos. The sophomore compares his game to a couple of recent college stars known for their explosiveness.
"(I'd compare myself to) Tavon Austin or De'Anthony Thomas," he said. "I'm definitely that type of player. I was six-years-old when I noticed I was a quicker, faster than most of my friends, so I tried football when my mom let me try out. From that first touchdown I've been in love and thought it was something I really wanted to do and could be great at. I'm blessed."
Despite growing up in Northeast Ohio, Hill has never been to a game at Ohio State. It's possible his first visit to Ohio Stadium could be this fall as a member of the Buckeyes' 2016 recruiting class.
"Being from Ohio, I'd just feel more comfortable at Ohio State," he said, admitting the Buckeyes have a large edge for his commitment. "It's just a great program. My favorite player growing up was Terrelle Pryor, but now I love watching Braxton Miller at the quarterback position. Carlos Hyde is an inspiration, too. I've not been there at all yet, but I will definitely want to (commit) somewhere close to my hometown."
His relationship with the Buckeyes is developing, but Hill says up to this point he and the Buckeyes' staff are just getting to know one another. He isn't afraid to speculate about what his future could hold in the Scarlet and Gray.
"We don't discuss much of anything about football," Hill said of his talks with Ohio State. "I am betting if I was to go to Ohio State, I'd be playing offense. I'm a good player with the football in my hands."
If there's a team to worry about for the Buckeyes, it might be the Spartans of Michigan State, but Hill says that even if Scott were to end up playing for Mark Dantonio, it'd have no impact on him. He also says he'd not try to convince his teammate to consider Ohio State, if he had committed himself.
"I think about what's best for me, and my family," Hill said of whether or not Scott could sway him if he were to commit to Michigan State. "I want to take a different path and succeed. I want (my teammates) to do what's best for them."
This weekend's visit to Columbus will be Hill's first, but not his last. He's already got a return trip planned.
"I will be there (Saturday) about 10:30 a.m.," he said of his first trip. "I'll be going back May 24th, too."
