Arizona Cardinals: UDFA running back Wes Hills is a name to watch
By Cody Potanko
The Arizona Cardinals added an intriguing little known running back in Slippery Rock’s Wes Hills.
When you hear the name Slippery Rock you tend not to think of college football or even the NFL. But, undrafted free agent Wes Hills is trying to change that as he’s earned enough buzz to earn a shot to play with the Arizona Cardinals in mini-camp.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and 218-pounds, Hills is a big back with an old school feel. He’s a bruiser in every sense of the word and shows it with his ferocity in his between-the-tackles college play, while consistently falling forward. He’s a mean back, and it shows when he’ll play without gloves as if he was an old-school power back.
Really tough run by Slippery Rock RB and late @seniorbowl addition Wes Hills. Runs with a nice blend of power and balance at 6-2, 218. Probably woulda housed this had he not cramped up halfway through the run. pic.twitter.com/uRAniFFiAZ
— Bryce Rossler (@btrossler) January 19, 2019
In 2014 and ’16 Hills led the Fighting Blue Hens of Delaware in rushing yards despite starting a total of six in that span. He rushed for 1,680 yards and 13 touchdowns on260 touches over those years. His time at Delaware wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows though as in 2015 he was hindered by a foot injury only playing in one game. In 2017, he had to sit out the whole year due to academic ineligibility.
In 2018, we saw Hills move down to Division II football by taking his talents to Slippery Rock University. Over his one year there we saw Hills post gaudy numbers rushing for a school-record 1,714 yards and 17 touchdowns on 246 carries. Of course, the one knock against those numbers is it was against inferior competition; nonetheless, it’s impressive.
Nice run by Wes Hills of Slippery Rock Univ. to set up the South's TD pic.twitter.com/1Q8bMs3YGW
— Reese's Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 26, 2019
After Hills’ senior season was finished, he earned an invite to the NFLPA game at the Rose Bowl where he received the MVP award with a stat line of 78 yards and a touchdown on ten carries. That impressive performance then earned him a spot at the Reeses Senior Bowl, where he had two carries for 22 yards including game-leading 21-yard rush. If he didn’t sustain an injury, he might’ve been drafted.
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Wes Hills is an intriguing prospect that will be one to watch while the Cardinals narrow down their roster. He will be a 24-year-old rookie with a history of injuries and will be a feel-good story if he can stay healthy and continue to post his gaudy numbers. If Hills can do all of the right things, the sky is the limit.