Texas football LB Anthony Hill Jr. 'looks fantastic' in workouts

Texas football is set to begin spring ball in just a few weeks. We're now in the latter stages of the winter strength and conditioning program, which is the first big part of offseason workouts.

It sounds like the Longhorns have done a good job of getting their bodies right and being ready to compete at a high level entering spring camp, at least from the perspective of most of the players. From the various reports we've seen from winter workouts in the last couple of weeks, there is building optimism surrounding many of the returning players in the fold in 2024.

Texas football LB Anthony Hill Jr. a rising star for the Longhorns' defense

One of the most important players on defense for the Longhorns, rising sophomore linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., had a particularly strong start to offseason workouts. Hill has risen to the occasion as more of a vocal leader in the linebacker room for the Longhorns in the last couple of months.

Inside Texas reported on Feb. 22 (paid content) that Hill "looks fantastic" early in offseason workouts.

This is key since Hill's role as a leader in the locker room and a leader by example at linebacker on defense this upcoming season will expand after the departure of senior Jaylan Ford this offseason. Ford was the clear leader for Texas's linebacker room last year as a multi-year starter and two-time All-Big 12 selection.

While Texas returns many experienced linebackers, especially if you include the addition of Alabama junior transfer Kendrick Blackshire, Hill is the future of this position group for the Longhorns entering the SEC in 2024.

Hill, Blackshire, and sixth-year senior David Gbenda will be the top group of linebackers helping to lead this defensive front into the SEC this upcoming season.

Hill expected to play more mike linebacker in 2024

It was expected when Texas signed Hill in the 2022 class that he would develop to eventually play at middle backer. He played most of his snaps last season as a hybridized edge rusher and will linebacker.

As Hill improved his gap function and ability to find the ball carrier over the course of 2023, he started to show the signs of a future force at mike linebacker. He is reportedly still on track to get many more live-game reps at mike linebacker this fall after Ford's departure this spring to the NFL Draft.

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