Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
This is the Jeremy Hill that LSU fans had expected after a highly successful 2012 season that saw the running back lead the team in rushing. His 2013 season didn’t get off on the right foot, however, after a tumultuous offseason.
After serving a one-game suspension for his offseason arrest and playing sparingly in the win over UAB last week, Hill wasted little time making an impact Saturday night against Kent State. On the fifth play of the game, Hill ran straight up the middle and was not even touched by the defense en route to the end zone.
On the Tiger’s third possession, Hill was showing that trademark burst he flashed last season, as he racked up 684 yards in his seven starts to close the season and darted up the middle once again for his second score of the evening.
Much has been written about Hill’s past, which is entirely his fault, but Hill is trying to make amends and not only earn the trust of his coaches and teammates back, but also the Tiger faithful. Hill put LSU fans in a tough spot by trying to defend him after he disappointed them with his offseason arrest. Some fans called for Hill to be removed from the team, or at least given a lengthy suspension, while others suggested he needed another chance, perhaps because of his high talent level.
In any event, Hill is on this team, after accepting the punishment by the court system and head coach Les Miles, and after his performance against the Golden Flashes, is rewarding those loyal LSU fans who believed in him enough to see him through his rocky road.
With Hill playing the way he has against Kent State and Zach Mettenberger poised for a career year, it could be the LSU Tigers who are the team to beat in the SEC.
Sports fans love a good comeback and story of redemption, and while he won’t have everyone cheering his name, he is on the path to forgiveness at LSU, one touchdown at a time.
Patrick’s a college football writer for Rant Sports and radio host on Sportstownchicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatrickASchmidt and add him to your Google network.
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