News Summary
JD Hill, a 6-foot-2-inch, 270-pound defensive lineman from Mission Viejo, California, has received a scholarship offer from the University of Utah. After decommitting from Northern Arizona, his strong performance this season has attracted interest from several Power 5 schools. Hill’s impressive stats include 90 tackles and 16.5 sacks in the 2024 season, showcasing his potential as a top collegiate player.
Mission Viejo, California – Rising defensive lineman JD Hill has caught the attention of major college football programs after receiving an offer from the University of Utah, marking a significant shift in his recruitment status. The 6-foot-2-inch, 270-pound athlete, who had initially committed to Northern Arizona during the summer, decided to decommit following an impressive start to his senior season. Since then, his recruitment has surged, notably attracting interest from several Power 5 conferences.
Utah’s early offer was a significant milestone for Hill, who recently visited the campus to watch the Utes take on Arizona State. His experience at the game exceeded his expectations and showcased the scale and richness of the college football environment. Following the visit, Hill expressed how impressed he was with the facilities and the atmosphere, noting that it was larger than any other school he had encountered in his previous experiences.
Recent Performance Boosts Recruitment
Hill’s recruitment momentum can be traced back to his standout performance against Folsom High School, where he recorded 5.5 sacks and a total of 13 tackles in a single game. This notable showcase led to a significant boost in his national ranking, moving him from No. 158 to No. 112 among defensive linemen in the country. Within California, he rose from No. 122 to No. 85 in the rankings for high school juniors.
During the 2024 football season, Hill demonstrated his prowess on the field by amassing 90 total tackles, including 29.5 tackles for loss, and achieving 16.5 sacks. His performance was instrumental in helping Mission Viejo secure the CIF State Division 1-AA championship, solidifying his status as a dynamic defensive player.
Expanding College Offers
Since his decommitment from Northern Arizona, Hill has received an array of offers from numerous programs, including Arizona State, Miami, Oregon State, Colorado, West Virginia, and UNLV. Additionally, he has attracted attention from other schools such as San Diego State, Sacramento State, Montana State, New Mexico, Portland State, and Utah Tech.
Current Statistics and Versatility
As of now, Hill’s senior season statistics reflect his continued development and impact on the field. He has recorded 31 tackles, with 6.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks thus far in the season. His athleticism extends beyond football, as Hill is also a competitor in basketball and track and field, showcasing his overall athletic capabilities.
Future Implications
JD Hill’s recruitment trajectory highlights the increasing interest from prestigious college programs, fueled by his impressive early season performances. The attention from multiple schools emphasizes not only his defensive skills but also his potential as a pivotal player in collegiate football. As he continues his high school career and further showcases his talent, more offers and interest from Division I programs are expected to follow.
With commitment likely on the horizon for Hill, college football fans and scouts alike will be keeping a close eye on this rising star from Mission Viejo, California. His potential impact on a future college program could be significant, as evidenced by his record-breaking performances and ever-growing list of offers.
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HERE Resources
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CIF Southern Section High School Football League Play Begins
Orange County High School Football Mid-Season Awards and Highlights
JD Hill Schedules Official Visit to University of Utah
Mission Viejo Diablos Set to Host Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits
Los Alamitos Griffins Secure Dominant Victory Over Calabasas Coyotes
St. John Bosco Claims Top Spot in California High School Football
Additional Resources
- 247Sports: Utah Leads the Way for JD Hill
- Sports Illustrated: Utah Locks in Visit with JD Hill
- OC Register: Mission Viejo Football Dominates Folsom
- On3: Oregon State Offers JD Hill
- Wikipedia: Defensive Linemen
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
