Hill shines in Texas Tech debut Saturday
It had been 626 days since Adam Hill last played in a football game—his final snap for Albany coming in the 2023 state championship at AT&T Stadium on December 14, 2023. A monumental piece of the Lions’ back-to-back title runs in 2022 and 2023, Hill helped lead Albany to consecutive state championships with his toughness, versatility, and relentless work ethic. On Saturday, he finally returned to the field, suiting up for his first college game with the Texas Tech Red Raiders in their season opener against Arkansas–Pine Bluff.
Hill, now wearing No. 23 in scarlet and black, entered the game in the second half and made an immediate impact. He rushed for 78 yards on eight carries, averaging an impressive 9.8 yards per carry.
“It wasn’t as nerve-wracking as I thought it was going to be,” Hill said in a phone interview on Monday. “The first play wasn’t a run, so I got to settle in a bit. After that, it just felt like practice—like I was going against my teammates again.”
A sudden change in role
Heading into the season, Hill’s main contributions were expected to come on special teams. “I thought I’d get some late fourth-quarter carries in blowout games,” he said. “But otherwise, I was on three of the four special teams units and working my way up on the fourth.”
That changed quickly after starting running back Quinten Joyner went down with an torn ACL during a scrimmage.
Hill began noticing changes in the depth chart, then got clarity from his position coach. “My running back coach talked to me and said, ‘Don’t take it personally—we just can’t afford to lose another back,’” Hill said. “That’s when I realized they were pulling me off special teams because they didn’t want to risk me getting hurt. They needed me healthy and ready at running back.”
Mentors at the next level
Hill praised his coaches, including running backs coach Garrett McGuire. “He’s a great coach and easy to relate to,” Hill said. “He’s younger, knows what’s going on, and knows how to get us motivated when we’re feeling sluggish. He’s been with the Carolina Panthers, Nebraska, and other programs, so he’s got experience.”
Playing under Head Coach Joey McGuire has also made a strong impression. “It’s surreal. Everything you hear about him is true,” Hill said. “He’s the same guy in person that you see on the news. He makes you want to play harder for him.”
Game day routine
Even for a home game, the Red Raiders stay in a hotel the night before. Saturday’s schedule included a rolling breakfast, walkthroughs at the facility, and some downtime before heading to Jones AT&T Stadium. Hill said he watched college football and rested before rejoining the team for final prep and the Raider Walk.
“I had butterflies Friday night, but Saturday felt normal,” he said. “We got into our routine, and it felt like just another game day.”
Hill saw his family briefly during the Raider Walk, sharing quick hugs with his parents before shifting into game mode.
Delay after halftime
Texas Tech rolled through the first half against Arkansas–Pine Bluff, building a big lead before storms rolled in during halftime. The game was delayed as lightning approached the area, and players were sent back to the locker room.
“We stayed in the locker room, watched the Kansas State game, and talked about the first half,” Hill said. “They kept us updated, and about 15 minutes before we went back out, we started stretching.”
Due to the delay and lopsided score, the second half was shortened to two eight-minute quarters.
“Coach told me I was starting the second half because the starters had taken care of business,” Hill said.
Making his mark
Hill didn’t waste the opportunity. With 78 yards on eight carries—including a punishing second-half run that made the ESPN broadcast crew take notice—he made the most of his debut.
Former Iowa State running back and ESPN color commentator Jeff Woody praised Hill’s style, comparing it to an NFL standout.
“Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco, someone described him as running angry and that the ground hurts after he runs,” Woody said. “Hill has sort of a similar running style. You can almost feel his steps from up here.”
On a run late in the game, Hill lowered his shoulder and flattened a defender.
“That’s the way you finish a run,” Woody said. “He’s not finding his way out of bounds whatsoever. If you want to make a tackle, son, you better bring more weight than that to the party. That is a terrific way to end the run for Hill.”
Hill said the play felt familiar.
“When I broke that one, it just felt natural,” he said. “That’s how it’s always felt when I’ve had big hits—whether I’m delivering or taking them. It was a great feeling.”
He hopes the performance earns him more chances moving forward. “I think I showed the coaches I can contribute,” he said. “If I can keep stacking weeks like that, maybe I’ll get some carries in the bigger games.”
Support from home
Among the crowd in Lubbock were Hill’s parents, along with his aunt and uncle.
“It was awesome having them there,” Hill said. “Just knowing I had a good support group in the stands meant a lot.”
Albany head coach Denney Faith, who coached Hill through two state championships, expressed pride in his former player.
“I’m just proud of him and glad that he’s getting the opportunity,” Faith said. “He may be the hardest working kid we’ve ever had. He did everything he had to do to put himself in that position. I wish him all the best in the world.”
Hill’s father, Kevin Hill, added, “He has worked hard for that opportunity. It’s a great time to be a part of what’s happening at Tech. Great staff, great teammates—and the Tech fan base is awesome.”
