Big Ten Football: 5 Impact Freshmen for 2015
OLB Justin Hilliard, Ohio State
247Sports
Unlike Ulmer, Justin Hilliard will not be sneaking up on anyone. The 5-star linebacker is rated as the No. 2 outside linebacker in the class and the best player in the state of Ohio.
Hilliard was the prized recruit for the Buckeyes and it’s because he possesses the perfect combination of size, speed, and strength. He played his high school ball at St. Xavier in Cincinnati, which is one of the top high school football programs in the nation.
There will be tons of pressure on Hilliard, however, as he’ll be donning the No. 47, which was worn by A.J. Hawk and Chic Harley, who was the first 3-time All-American in school history.
There are already some very talented starters for the Buckeyes for the upcoming season, but it’s uncertain who will be backing them up. Hilliard is a prime candidate. His athleticism should be able to get him on the field often in 2015, even as a true freshman.
Expect Hilliard to live up to the hype and make plays all over the field for Urban Meyer this upcoming season.