On Saturday, June 22, Memphis landed its highest-ranked QB recruit in the modern era: four-star Georgia native Antwann Hill Jr. Hill chose the Tigers over the Florida Gators after taking official visits with both programs in the last few weeks, marking a significant milestone for Memphis football.
The 6’5″ and 220-pound signal-caller deemed immediate playing time as the biggest factor in his decision. Still, he likely wouldn’t have given the Tigers much thought had they not had the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) funds to attract his attention.
Antwann Hill Jr.’s Commitment Marks a New Era of Memphis Football
Hill has torched opponents for Houston County High School in Warner Robins, Georgia, over the last two years. In 2023, he completed 65% of his passes for 2,732 yards, 31 touchdowns, and only five interceptions, leading his team to the second round of the state’s AAAAAA playoffs.
His numbers were even more gaudy in 2022, as he had a 70.5% completion rate while throwing for 3,663 yards and 40 TDs to just three INTs.
The star passer initially committed to Colorado in October last year before decommiting just a month later as Deion Sanders’ squad stumbled to a 4-8 record.
As previously mentioned, opportunity played the biggest role when it came down to Hill’s final two schools. Current Memphis QB Seth Henigan will be out of eligibility upon the conclusion of the 2024 season, leaving the starting spot wide open. And while the Tigers have three passers that could return in 2025, Hill has the natural talent and recruiting pedigree to fend off any “battle” the team hosts at the position.
He won’t turn 17 until July and will likely enroll at Memphis early next January to get ahead in spring ball. Assuming Hill earns the job, he’d become the Tigers’ third full-time starter since 2018, when Brady White first stepped into Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
While Hill’s path to being Memphis’ QB1 is clear, he likely would’ve had to wait a lot longer had he chosen Florida. Five-star QB DJ Lagway is the Gators’ future at the position and could see playing time as early as this season if Graham Mertz falters under center.
Of course, opportunity wasn’t the only factor. Every high school recruit wants to play for a contender. Yes, the Tigers are one of the favorites to take home the AAC title this year, but Hill likely has his sights set on more — as do head coach Ryan Silverfield and Co.
The newly expanded College Football Playoff will result in at least one Group of Five team making the dance, and Memphis will be right in the thick of the race in 2024. But what about in 2025 and beyond?
This offseason, Memphis landed a deal with in-state transportation and e-commerce giant FedEx, giving the school $5 million a year over the next half-decade earmarked for the football team, men’s and women’s basketball, and other women’s athletic programs.
It wasn’t the first connection between the two, as FedEx founder Fred Smith and his family donated $50 million to Memphis last December, allowing the Tigers to move forward with a $220 million stadium renovation.
The company also committed to a 50% match clause, and the university is expected to campaign for an additional $2.5 million in donations per year.
Translation: Memphis is gearing up for a Power Four promotion in the near future and is already reaping the benefits of the FedEx deal by landing Hill. His commitment could be a domino effect, as four-star offensive lineman Peyton Joseph — Hill’s high school teammate — announced his final two of Florida State and Memphis. Can the Tigers steal another sought-after recruit from the Sunshine State?
More than that, Hill has vowed to help recruit several top pass catchers and linemen to bolster the talent around him.
KEEP READING: 2024 AAC Season Win Totals Predictions
The Tigers aren’t just punching above their weight class — they’re punching directly at elite Power Four programs. And in the case of Hill and possibly Joseph, they’re landing their hits.
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