Nebraska football DB bulks up, aims to be a more complete defender

When Tommi Hill decided to transfer to the Nebraska football team, he probably didn’t realize that he’d turn into one of the superstars of a defense that was among the best in the country last year. This season, he comes in universally recognized as one of the best DBs in college football.

Credit to Hill, it’s not as though he came into the season looking to rest on his laurels. He’s taken on the mission of getting even better and being someone that can help out the Blackshirts in a number of different ways.

Hill addressed the media briefly on Tuesday, ahead of fall camp and talked about a couple of different subjects. Eventually the subject turned to how his body has changed by training over the offseason and what kind of player he wants to be on this edition of the Nebraska football team. Hill explained that he wants to be more physical and help out against the run more.

Nebraska football defensive back rounding into complete player

In order to help out against the run more, Hill said he’s put on 20 pounds from last fall. He entered camp and played most of the season at about 185 pounds in 2023. He told the gathered media that this year he’s coming in at 205.

Hill, who certainly looks a bit more solidly built just in a polo and pants said that the point of adding the weight was also so he could take on a tight end if need be. 

He added he’s “not afraid to hit” this year.

It’s worth pointing out that for the 2023 season, Hill was the highest rated player for Nebraska according to PFF. However, those ratings did show a corner who was very good in pass coverage, but didn’t have anywhere near as solid a run defense rating.

His run defense was 9th on the team compared to 1st overall and his tackle rating was 18th.

Granted, some of those ratings came from the fact he just wasnt asked to make a tackle all that often. More often than not, when the ball came near him, he was either knocking it down with 9 passes defensed, or picking it off (he had four interceptions)

You certainly have to hope that Hill adding 20 pounds won’t hurt Nebraska football in any other ways.