Daxton Hill named instant impact freshman candidate by ESPN

Daxton Hill’s “he loves me, he loves me not, he loves me”-type of recruitment was one of the big surprises of Michigan Football’s 2019 recruiting class when he flipped back from Alabama in December. Now, the hype continues to roll in on the elite safety prospect, who is set to arrive on campus this summer.

ESPN’s Tom Luginbill has named Hill as one of the top freshmen ($) in the country that could make an instant impact the second he sets foot on the field.

Here is what the piece had to say about what they expect:

“The Wolverines must replace multiple game-changers on the defensive side of the ball, including DE Chase Winovich, DE Rashan Gary and LB Devin Bush. The safety position has been functional, but not spectacular, and Hill could be the answer. He’s a dynamic hitter and tackler with range, speed and agility in coverage. He’s also very productive versus the run. While Josh Metellus returns at strong safety, free safety is a wide-open competition, and Hill is a difference-maker.”

Hill is a five-star prospect and the Class of 2019’s top safety prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite. His commitment gave Michigan the pledge of the 14th-best player coming out of high school.

Barton Simmons of 247Sports compared Hill to Devin McCourty of the New England Patriots.

“Slender, high cut, muscular athlete,” he wrote in Hill’s profile. “Not a frame that is built for a lot of mass but possesses enough size. Incredibly twitched up, explosive athlete. Posted some of the best combine numbers in the 2019 class. Elite range as a free safety. Versatile enough to project as a pure corner on the college or NFL level. Physical enough as an eager tackler to play safety. Provides versatility to cover quicker slot receivers. Good ball skills. Size and bulk could limit his role as an in-the-box defender. Rare athleticism and position versatility allow Hill to project as an impact player at either safety, corner or nickel at a national power. First or second round NFL Draft pick.”

Hill committed to Michigan on Sept. 18 before backing out of his commitment and pledging to the Alabama Crimson Tide on Dec. 8 following the Wolverines’ disappointing end to the regular season. Out of seemingly nowhere, Hill flipped back to Michigan and signed during the early period on Dec. 19, cementing his status with the program.