Anthony Hill

After missing the entire 2007 season due to a left knee anterior cruciate ligament tear, Hill was ready for a breakout senior season. But those best laid plans took a big detour in his first game back on the field. Twenty-six plays into the 2008 season opener vs. South Carolina, the talented tight end was again a resident of State's sidelines as he suffered a chest muscle strain and tear, missing the next four contests. Upon his return, Hill showed the superb pass catching ability that he displayed as a sophomore, grabbing 17 of his total of 19 receptions for 2008 in the season's final seven games. That performance earned the tight end the Ken McNeil Iron Wolf Award, given to the Wolfpack player for the greatest comeback from injury. Hill was a defensive end during his playing days at Clear Brook High School. He was rated 44th in the country at his position by Rivals.com and earned All-Area honors. Looking to improve his academic standing, he enrolled at Hargrave Military Academy in 2003, where he was a teammate of former Wolfpack receiver Darrell Blackman. Hill collected 10 catches after switching to tight end from the defensive side of the ball. In 2004, Hill enrolled at North Carolina State. He appeared in four contests, seeing limited action. He logged 17 plays in those games, including 12 in the season finale vs. East Carolina, but did not catch any passes. He was the recipient of the team's Most Improved Award coming out of 2005 spring drills, where he secured a starting job at tight end. He recorded 23 knockdowns, including eight vs. Florida State, a game-record for a tight end. He also caught 15 passes for 140 yards (9.3 avg) and his first career touchdown, as he also recovered an onside kick vs. Boston College. Hill came into his own as a sophomore, hauling in 45 passes - 15 more than any other player on the team and good for fifth in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He gained 478 yards (10.6 avg), leading the team in receptions in six of the 12 contests he started. His performance earned him All-ACC second-team accolades. Named to the Mackey Award Watch List and ready to garner national attention as a senior, Hill spent the 2007 season on the sidelines after he was granted a medical hardship. During the summer, he suffered a left knee anterior cruciate ligament tear. He underwent surgery and was also held out of 2008 spring ball as he continued to recover. Back in action, Hill started eight of nine games he appeared in during the 2008 campaign. He made a quick recovery after sitting out just four games with his chest muscle injury (doctors originally felt he would miss at least two months). He managed to catch only 19 passes, but gained 234 yards (12.3 avg) and turned four of those grabs into touchdowns. He also delivered 33 knockdown blocks and recorded one solo tackle.