From high school standout to second-round NFL draft selection
In short: Before he was a cornerstone for the Tennessee Titans, Anthony Hill Jr. was a multi-sport phenom in Texas. His journey from a five-star recruit to a professional linebacker is marked by record-breaking tackles, injury setbacks, and a meteoric rise through the college ranks.
Born in Wichita, Kansas, on February 14, 2005, Anthony Hill Jr. emerged as a dominant force at Billy Ryan High School in Denton, Texas. A versatile athlete, he competed in the triple jump and 4x400 metres relay alongside a standout football career. His junior season was particularly prolific, as he amassed 131 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and eight sacks, earning him District 5-5A MVP honors.
Hill's recruitment was a high-stakes saga. Initially committed to Texas A&M, the five-star recruit later decommitted during his senior year before ultimately signing with the University of Texas. He joined the Longhorns as an early enrollee in January 2023, immediately making an impact. Following appearances in 14 matches during his debut season, he secured both Freshman All-American and Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year titles.
His sophomore campaign solidified his status as an elite defender. Starting all 16 games, Hill recorded 113 tackles, eight sacks, and four forced fumbles, standing as the only Texas defender to surpass the 100-tackle mark that season. Despite a hand injury that caused him to miss the final two games, his individual accolades were immense, including being named a Butkus Award finalist and a Chuck Bednarik Award semifinalist.
On December 8, Hill opted to forgo his senior year to enter the NFL draft. The Tennessee Titans selected him in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft with the 60th overall pick. He entered the professional league with a four-year rookie contract valued at $8.11 million, making a significant debut in Week 1 against the New York Jets with 16 tackles.
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