INDIANAPOLIS — Two years ago, when former Texas and DeSoto defensive tackle Byron Murphy II was at the NFL combine, he took a moment to highlight another player. He shared an early NFL scouting report for Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., who had just wrapped up his freshman season.
“When it’s time for him to come do this process, I feel he’s going to be a first-round guy,” Murphy said. “Just be on the lookout for him.”
On Wednesday, Hill returned the favor.
Hill — a Denton Ryan alum and a two-time, second-team All-American — did one better than Murphy. He provided reporters with names of two potential Longhorns who could be first-round picks soon: edge rusher Colin Simmons (Duncanville) and wide receiver Ryan Wingo.
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“I can’t wait for guys like Colin Simmons and Ryan Wingo to be up here,” Hill said with a big smile on his face. “They’re first-round guys. Hopefully next year they prove me right.”
Hill could prove Murphy right, too. Hill is ranked as the 42nd overall player in the draft, according to Daniel Jeremiah’s current top 50 rankings. He could improve his draft stock with a good performance at the NFL Combine on Thursday, especially if he showcases one of his best abilities. He called the 40-yard dash the main attraction at the combine.
“I just want to run fast,” he said. “That’s my main goal. I’m not really too focused on a time. I just want to run fast.”
Regardless of where he goes, Hill is soaking up the draft experience. He said he’s enjoying every part of it. It’s been a destination that he’s been forecasted to reach for quite some time.
“It’s crazy he said that two years ago and now I’m up here,” Hill said of Murphy’s prediction.
Soon, Simmons and Wingo could be as well.
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