“Emerging Star: Anthony Hill, Texas Longhorns Linebacker, Earns Freshman All-American Honors”
After an exceptional season with the No. 3 ranked team, Texas Longhorns Linebacker Anthony Hill earned the title of Freshman All-American from the Football Writers Association of America.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 234 pounds, hailing from Denton, Texas, Anthony Hill showcased an impressive performance in his debut season. Throughout all 14 games, he recorded remarkable statistics, including 67 tackles, eight tackles for loss, five sacks, two pass breakups, and one forced fumble. Although he initially served as an understudy to David Gbenda at WILL linebacker, Hill swiftly evolved into a pivotal player for the team’s defense.
Growing more assured in his defensive role, Anthony Hill emerged as a central figure for the Longhorns, securing a starting position in six games and further contributing to the team’s defensive prowess.
Hill’s standout performance in the Week 2 victory against Alabama set him apart, as he notched two of his five sacks against quarterback Jalen Milroe. Notably, one of these sacks concluded Alabama’s final offensive play of the game.
Anthony Hill’s inclusion in the FWAA freshman All-American team extends the streak of Longhorns leaving a notable impact among the nation’s top freshmen for three consecutive seasons. Kelvin Banks, the left tackle, earned this recognition in 2022, following wide receiver Xavier Worthy’s selection in 2021. This consistent representation highlights the University of Texas’ commitment to developing and showcasing young talent on the national stage.
Hill has now entered the ranks of a distinguished cohort comprising 16 players in the school’s history who have garnered this prestigious accolade. Among this esteemed group are football legends such as Malik Jefferson, Earl Thomas, Colt McCoy, Brian Orakpo, Frank Okam, Rod Wright, and Derrick Johnson.
Following his inaugural season with the Longhorns, Hill has garnered additional accolades, including being recognized as a freshman All-American by ESPN and The Athletic. He also emerged as a finalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award and shared the honor of Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year.
