Ohio RB impressed with State

This past weekend Michigan State hosted numerous top prospects for the class of 2012 on campus for a junior day. One of the players in attendance was Alden Hill of Marlington High School in Ohio. SpartanMag.com caught up with this powerful running back prospect.

Last fall Hill burst on the national recruiting scene by putting up record setting numbers for Marlington High School. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound prospect rushed for an amazing 2247-yards and scored 35 touchdowns while leading Marlington to a 13-1 record and a spot in the Ohio State Semi-Finals.

Hill received a plethora of honors for his play as a junior. He was named County Player of the Year by multiple sources and was also named 1st Team All-Ohio and Offensive Player of the Year in Ohio for Division III.

His performance on the field brought him an early offer from Ball State University and now several heavyweight programs, including Michigan State, are taking a close look at him. SpartanMag.com spoke with Hill and got the latest on the teams he is hearing from and has visited.

"I have visited Michigan State, Cincinnati, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Northwestern, Pittsburgh and Ball State," he stated. "Right now I just have the Ball State offer, but Toledo said they wanted me to call and they would have some good news for me. So I will be calling them on Monday."

Hill had plenty of positives to say about his time in Spartan Country on Sunday.

"The visit went really good," he stated. "I was amazed by the facilities and how great the atmosphere was at the basketball game. I got along real well with all of the staff there as well. Coach (Pat) Narduzzi is my recruiting coach. He said I am very high on the list of running backs they are looking at. If they do not offer me soon, he said they will likely offer me at summer camp."

Michigan State did not take a true running back prospect in the class of 2011, and that means that the position must be addressed well in 2012. The Spartans have extended a few running back scholarship offers so far, but it is obvious that Hill is high on the list of prospects the staff is looking at closely. We asked Hill what type of feedback he has gotten from the Michigan State Coaches about his ability.

"They said they really like my 6-foot-2, 220-pound frame because it lets me run with power and speed," Hill said. "They said they like to pound the ball. Coach Narduzzi said he loved watching my highlight tape and see me hurdle players. He said that shows my overall athletic ability and my versatility."

Hill indicated that as of right now he does not have a team designated as a clear-cut favorite, but if Michigan State were to offer they would certainly be one of the schools that would at the top of the list. The opportunity to play in the Big Ten and for a team that is dedicated to running the ball is an attractive option.

Hill plans on hitting several camps this spring and summer. He wants to showcase his ability and go head-to-head with the other top running back prospect around the Midwest. SpartanMag.com will be sure to keep an eye out for Hill at the Michigan State Elite 1-Day Camp; no doubt he will be a welcome presence.

To see highlights of Hill in action, click the link below:

">Alden Hill in Action