April 22, 2002

NORTHERN ILLINOIS WR DARRELL HILL DRAFTED BY TENNESSEE, REUNITED WITH JUSTIN McCAREINS

DeKALB, IL --- Right now, former Northern Illinois University flankerback Darrell Hill can run the emotional gamut of being a seventh-round National Football League draft pick of the Tennessee Titans.

Happy. Anxious. Frustrated. Relieved. Motivated. Waiting through the weekend draft can be a nerve-wracking experience. "Think some of my hair fell out," the 6-foot-3, 205-pound Huskie wide out joked about the two-day process.

When pick No. 225 arrived and the telephone call came from the Titans, the usually mild-mannered Hill joined the raucous family celebration at his sister's house in suburban Country Club Hills. "I felt like really screaming," Hill told the DeKalb Daily Chronicle. "It's been a long two days. I'm happy. I got drafted a lot later than I thought I would, but I was relieved. I think it was my destiny to play in the NFL. It's the beginning of a new chapter in my life. This is what I've been working for the last season. It's a real good atmosphere down there and I can't wait to get started."

No offense, being the 225th pick probably sticks in his craw and might be the metaphorical chip resting on Hill's shoulder for the crusade that starts next month at the Tennessee mini-camp in Nashville. "I'm anxious," Hill said. "I just want to show them what I can do. I'm ready to get started. It (draft) is a long process. I'm glad it's over."
Earlier in this weekend's draft, two NFL clubs---Seattle and Kansas City---called, but did not pick Hill. His agent, Craig Domann, indicated Tennessee would pick him in the fifth round and then chose Akron wide receiver Jake Schifino. "It was difficult," Hill admitted.

"Teams were calling and playing with my emotions. It was such a long and slow process. It was hard to see guys go across the board that I thought I was better than. It was stressful."

Maybe the best aspect of the NFL draft for the man known on the Northern Illinois campus as "The Thrill?" Being reunited with former NIU teammate and fellow wide receiver Justin McCareins, a fourth-round pick of the Titans in 2001.
The two ex-Huskies talked via telephone for approximately 20 minutes on Sunday.

"That's great," Hill acknowledged. "Justin and I used to push each other here. It's kind of funny we're going to be on the same team. We're excited about it. It's a blessing to get drafted by Tennessee. I've got a friend down there already. Justin can help me with the system.

"It's the NFL. I just want to fit in and do anything I can do to help the team. Special teams. Whatever they want me to do---return kicks, whatever," added Hill. "It's always been my dream, since day one. I started in high school, and playing with Justin and seeing him make it and being so close was a great motivation for me."

Actually, Hill's climb to the NFL began this past year---particularly in Northern Illinois' last five games when he caught 23 passes for 596 yards and five touchdowns. Stereotyped as a former track standout, Hill's testing scores (:04.34 speed in the 40 and a 40-inch vertical jump) opened some scouts' eyes. He won the team's offensive Most Valuable Player award and made Second-Team All-Mid-American Conference this past fall. While the outside world started taking notice when Hill was a late addition for the Tyco Gridiron Classic last January in Orlando, FL, Huskie head coach Joe Novak also took note of the progress.

"I don't think a kid has improved or matured in our program as much as Darrell did," Novak said. "He went into his senior year as a virtual unknown. He got his reputation as a senior going into the draft. I was hoping a round or two earlier. Darrell has such an upside and all the raw tools. I think this also tells Tennessee was satisfied with Justin. I think they liked what they saw with the work habits. Darrell has the same ones. I think it's great that they will be teammates again."

McCareins---who made three receptions for 88 yards and returned four kickoffs for 70 yards in limited 2001 duty for head coach Jeff Fisher's Titans due to a fractured left ankle---was ecstatic for his ex and new teammate Hill.

"It's so great," McCareins said. "I'm so happy for him. It's cool. I was so happy for him wherever Darrell was headed and now to be together again." While he did not talk to Fisher about Hill, McCareins broached the subject with Tennessee offensive coordinator and DeKalb native Mike Heimerdinger and wide receivers coach Steve Walters. "Both asked me about Darrell," McCareins admitted, "and I told them what type of athlete he was, how hard he worked, and how he deserved the opportunity at this level."

Hill became the 28th Huskie performer selected in the NFL draft since 1952 and joined Fran Cahill (New York Giants in 1952), John Spilis (Green Bay Packers in 1969), Willie Hatter (Miami Dolphins in 1973), Curt Pardridge (San Diego Chargers in 1986), and McCareins as the sixth Northern Illinois receiver among that elite group.
Current Tennessee Titans general manager Floyd Reese said his franchise was intrigued by Hill's athleticism.

"Darrell Hill again is (like) Justin, same type guy---6-1, 200 pounds, can run like heck, has made tons of plays," Reese said. "People up there compare him very favorably with Justin and so we think we're almost getting a bookend coming in."

A year ago, Tennessee carried seven wide receivers on its roster. Does that and being the 225th pick provide any motivational inspiration? "Most definitely," Hill said. His pro career can start at the team's rookie mini-camp at the Tennessee Titans' Baptist Sports Park in Nashville on May 2-4. Thirty rookies are expected to report for that camp.
What aspect of the game must Hill improve? "The biggest thing is running my routes," he said. "I need to run more refined routes."

Better than No. 225? Hill is ready to prove it. "It's been a maturation process. I've grown every time I stepped onto the football field. The last five games I had the attitude I refused to be stopped and I think that will carry over. The sky is the limit. I'm going to make it, I'm telling you. It's time to go to work. I'm ready to play now. I've worked hard. There's no other way to put it."

(For further information, please contact Mike Korcek) -30-