ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Jyaire Hill is entering his senior season at the University of Michigan with a veteran’s perspective, but the senior cornerback still has plenty to prove.
Hill said on Thursday (Aug. 13) that the reality of his final season has started to sink in as he prepares for what he hopes will be a championship run and an opportunity to improve his NFL prospects.
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“Kind of old a little bit,” Hill said when asked how it feels to be a veteran on the Michigan defense. “I’ve got to go all out this season. Championship mindset.”
Hill is part of an experienced Michigan Wolverines cornerback room that also includes fellow veteran Zeke Berry.
The two have grown together since arriving at Michigan and have developed a strong relationship on and off the field.
“We’ve seen a lot. We’ve been through a lot,” Hill said. “Starting me and Zeke, starting at the same time. Connection on and off the field, it’s getting better.”
That familiarity has become an advantage for the Wolverines.
“If I come down on the rep, he’s helping me where I’m at. Same reversed,” Hill said.
Hill competing for nickel role
Hill’s versatility could be particularly valuable as Michigan continues to sort out its secondary.
He has been mentioned as a candidate in the competition for the nickel position alongside Berry and transfer cornerback Smith Snowden.
Hill said he is embracing the competition and believes every defensive back needs to be capable of playing multiple roles.
“We all corners. We all got to play every position on the field in the secondary,” Hill said.
Hill said his priority is learning the defensive system inside and out, particularly with Michigan entering the season with a new defensive coaching staff and new terminology.
The coaching turnover has not been a major adjustment for Hill, who said he has experienced several coaching changes during his time at Michigan.
“I’m prepared for it,” Hill said. “Got to deal with it. Putting effort, got to learn it.”
Hill said he particularly enjoys playing man coverage but also likes playing zone because it gives defensive backs opportunities to disguise coverages and confuse quarterbacks.
Michigan’s young receivers pushing Hill
The competition isn’t limited to the defensive side of the ball.
Hill said several of Michigan’s receivers have challenged the cornerbacks during practice, including freshman Travis Johnson and newcomer Salesi Moa to the program.
He specifically praised Johnson, saying they have looked good early in camp.
Hill also offered a positive assessment of Snowden, who is competing for a role at nickel.
“He’s a tough guy,” Hill said. “Mike Sainristil a little bit. Very energized, quick on his feet, too. Very fast.”
Hill also praised Snowden’s football intelligence and ability to finish plays.
Hill has big individual goals
While Michigan’s ultimate goal is a championship, Hill has set an individual target for his final season: winning the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation’s top defensive back.
“I want to win the Thorpe Award,” Hill said. “It’s my goal. Championship mindset. So whatever it takes.”
Hill said he wants to improve his ball production and make more impact plays, particularly when the ball is in the air.
“Ball production, for sure,” Hill said. “Heavy on that.”
The senior also believes he has more to show NFL scouts before his Michigan career ends.
“Everything,” Hill said when asked whether there was anything he still needed to prove.
Hill impressed by Bryce Underwood
Hill has also seen significant growth from Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood, who is entering his second season with the Wolverines.
Hill said Underwood appears more comfortable in the offense and has continued to develop his chemistry with his teammates.
“He got more comfortable, especially [with the] new scheme,” Hill said. “They all working as one.”
Hill also praised freshman cornerback Shamari Earls, saying the young defensive back is already carrying himself like a veteran.
“He’s moving like a one for sure,” Hill said. “He’s really moving like a vet.”
With Michigan working through a new coaching structure and preparing for another season of high expectations, Hill acknowledged there is still work to do.
When asked about comments from head coach Kyle Whittingham that Michigan could be a year or two away from reaching its full potential, Hill said the team needs to continue improving and building its chemistry.
“We most need to improve on certain stuff,” Hill said.
For Hill, though, there is little interest in looking too far ahead.
His final season is here, and his goals are clear: help Michigan compete for a championship, increase his production and put himself in position to hear his name called in the NFL draft.
“Whatever it takes,” Hill said.