Is Daniel Hill a senior? A closer look at Alabama player's NCAA eligibility

Alabama is set to have a new running back. Daniel Hill is a high school senior, four-star prospect from Mississippi who recently joined Alabama as a freshman. Hill is en route to becoming the next running back at the university since he committed to the school in January of this year. He is the 13th-ranked running back in the class of 2024 and the 152nd overall player, per On3.

The 18-year-old is the son of former Mississippi State defensive lineman Demetrius Hill, who played for the Bulldogs in the 1990s. He's also a track and field athlete, having earned two Mississippi 6A track state titles in 110-meter and 300-meter hurdles.

Hill's story is inspiring, as he overcame fractures to both his legs earlier in his career. As a freshman, Hill has four seasons of eligibility left. He could add one more season of eligibility if he were to redshirt.

Alabama running backs coach Robert Gillespie on Daniel Hill's potential

Daniel Hill has a long road ahead of him if he wants to become the Crimson Tide's starting running back, but according to the coaching staff, he has it in him. Running backs coach Robert Gillespie spoke about Daniel Hill's potential back in March:

“He is very smart. He has been really, really good. He has to get in shape. You can still see that he’s thickened a little bit when he’s out on the field, so he’s playing a little slow. But he is a tough kid, he’s willing.

"The 4th Quarter Program was really good to see him fight through some injuries he was having, and that is when he started earning respect from his teammates. He is a young kid, but he is working his tail off. So, it has been really good.”

In high school, Hill played as a wildcat quarterback for Meridian High School in Mississippi. While he's still adapting to his new role, coaches and teammates said he's progressing well in picking up the playbook.