A lesser-known star in the backfield for the Baltimore Ravens, Justice Hill is used to playing second-fiddle to Lamar Jackson by now. But during his time in college, Hill was the star on Saturdays in Stillwater.
Justice Hill’s Historic College Career Began Early
Hill had an impressive career at Oklahoma State, establishing himself as one of the premier running backs in the Big 12 during his time with the Cowboys. A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hill came to Oklahoma State as a three-star recruit in 2016 and quickly made an impact, earning a starting role as a true freshman.
His combination of speed, vision, and versatility as both a runner and pass-catcher helped him become a central figure in Oklahoma State’s high-powered offense during his three seasons in Stillwater.
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Hill burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2016, earning Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors. He rushed for 1,142 yards on 206 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, and scored six touchdowns.
His 1,142 rushing yards set a school record for a freshman, and he became the first Oklahoma State freshman to rush for over 1,000 yards since 1980.
Hill’s breakout performance that season provided Oklahoma State with a consistent ground attack to complement their potent passing game. His standout moments included rushing for 135 yards and a touchdown against Texas and 162 yards and a touchdown in a victory over Kansas State, cementing his role as a key player in the offense.
The next season, Hill’s sophomore year in 2017, further solidified his reputation as one of the best running backs in the country. He rushed for 1,467 yards on 268 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, and scored 15 touchdowns.
This effort earned him First-Team All-Big 12 honors and placed him among the nation’s top rushers. Hill’s ability to break long runs, combined with his consistency between the tackles, made him a dangerous weapon. He had six games with over 120 rushing yards, including a season-high 228 yards and two touchdowns against Oklahoma, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stages.
His 1,467 rushing yards ranked second in the Big 12 and helped Oklahoma State finish 10-3 with a victory in the Camping World Bowl.
In his junior season in 2018, Hill continued to be a productive player despite battling injuries that limited his playing time. He still managed to rush for 930 yards on 158 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per carry, and scored nine touchdowns in just 10 games. Hill’s quickness and elusiveness remained evident as he continued to be a game-changer when healthy.
Notably, Hill surpassed the 3,000-career rushing yards mark during his junior year, solidifying his place among Oklahoma State’s all-time great running backs.
After his junior season, Hill declared for the 2019 NFL Draft, choosing to forgo his senior year. He left Oklahoma State with 3,539 career rushing yards, which ranked him fifth on the school’s all-time rushing list. His 30 career rushing touchdowns also placed him among the top scorers in Oklahoma State history.
Over the course of his career, Hill demonstrated his ability to be both a workhorse back and a home-run hitter, consistently delivering big plays and providing stability in the Cowboys’ backfield.
Hill’s time at Oklahoma State was marked by his explosive speed, reliable hands, and ability to take over games, making him one of the most dynamic running backs in the Big 12. His contributions to the Cowboys’ offense were invaluable, and he became a beloved figure among Oklahoma State fans.
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Hill’s college career paved the way for his selection in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, where his versatility and athleticism have continued to serve him well at the professional level.
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