Justin Hill
Alabama
Sophomore
Bio
Recruiting
Scouting Report
Justin Hill is a 4-star Edge Rusher from Cincinnati, OH (Winton Woods) in the 2025 class. Ranked No. 60 nationally. Composite rating: 0.9691. Committed to University of Alabama.
Physical Profile
Listed at 6-3, 245 lbs. Taller than 26% and heavier than 71% of 2025 Edge Rusher prospects in the SEC Scouts database (107 with a listed size).
Play Style
Based on his Alabama commitment and national ranking, Hill likely projects as a versatile linebacker who can handle multiple responsibilities. Alabama typically recruits linebackers who can rush the passer, cover slot receivers, and play sideline-to-sideline, suggesting Hill possesses this hybrid skill set that's essential in modern college football.
Strengths
- Elite national recognition with #60 overall ranking demonstrates exceptional talent level that separates him from typical regional recruits
- Alabama commitment indicates he possesses the academic credentials, character, and football IQ that Nick Saban's program demands
- Cincinnati prep football background suggests strong fundamentals and experience against quality competition in Ohio's competitive high school landscape
Areas to Improve
- Limited recruiting information suggests he may need to expand his route recognition and coverage skills for SEC-level passing attacks
- Transition from Ohio high school football to Alabama's system will require adjustment to increased speed and complexity of SEC offenses
College Projection
Expected to redshirt his freshman year at Alabama before competing for significant playing time as a sophomore. His elite ranking suggests he has the talent to become a multi-year starter and potential team captain, with the ceiling to be an impact player in SEC championship runs.
NFL Outlook
His 4-star rating and #60 national ranking put him in the conversation for eventual NFL consideration if he develops as projected at Alabama. The combination of Saban's linebacker development track record and Hill's raw talent rating suggests potential Day 2-3 draft consideration with proper development.
Best Fit
Alabama represents an ideal fit given their proven track record of developing linebackers for the NFL and their need for versatile defenders who can handle the modern SEC's offensive evolution. His skill set appears tailor-made for Saban's defensive system that emphasizes intelligence, versatility, and physical play.
Player Comparison
Hightower was a similarly-sized linebacker (6'3", 260 lbs) who starred at Alabama with the same versatile skill set - capable of rushing the passer, covering receivers, and playing sideline-to-sideline. Like Hill, he was a highly-rated recruit who thrived in Saban's system that demands linebackers handle multiple responsibilities, and both possess the football IQ and athletic ability to excel in hybrid roles that define modern linebacker play.
Season Stats - 2025
Defensive
General
Career History
Alabama
#8 LB - Sophomore
Alabama
#8 LB - Freshman