Jordan Hill has never watched a football game he was supposed to play in from the sidelines. Well, there was this one time, during the 6-foot-3, 300-pound Steelton-Highspire defensive tackle’s junior year, when he missed a half after getting his right hand caught in the facemask of another player.
But it will be unusual for the Penn State-bound Hill when for the first time, he’ll miss a game because of injury. It’s not just any game, it’s a game Hill had hoped to play in for months, the Big 33 Football Classic, taking place Saturday at HersheyPark Stadium at 7 p.m.
Jordan Hill, Steelton-Highspire
Photo by Steve Ickes
Hill was counted on as a run stuffer on Pennsylvania’s all-star team when it plays all-stars from Ohio. But early this week, Hill rolled his left ankle during practice and was told by the Big 33 trainers on Tuesday afternoon that he was being pulled from the game.
“It meant so much to play in this game, so it wasn’t really a sacrifice, it was more of an honor,” said Hill, who will leave for Penn State on June 28. “It will be tough Saturday night sitting and watching this game. It will be hard. I was pretty mad when they told me that I couldn’t play.
“But the trainers told me that I would be at around 75 percent. I wanted to play. I was fired up to play even at 75 percent, as long as I got a chance to play. I knew the risk involved and I was willing to take it. But there is a bigger picture here that I have to consider. I’m leaving for Penn State and I have to be ready to play there.”
It means that Hill’s last high school football game was Steelton-Highspire’s second-straight PIAA Class A state football championship last December, when the Steamrollers chewed up Clairton, 35-16, in the state title game.
“It’s not a bad way to go out as a high school player, winning a state title,” Hill said. “But I really wanted to play in this game. Some great players played in the Big 33, and it would have been a nice group to be a part of. It actually took me a couple hours to calm down when they told me I couldn’t play. I definitely wanted to show what I could do against the best. And this game involves the best. I wanted to basically come out with a win and prove I can play with the Ohio kids.”
What Ohio won’t see is a cat-like quick defensive lineman who has linebacker speed. Hill is arriving at Penn State in the best shape and stronger than ever, benching a lifetime-best 335 pounds a few weeks ago. Since he first put on pads, though, he’s always prided himself on his durability and tenacity. Hill has always been one of the best on the field—and the best usually don’t sit and watch.
That’s why Saturday night will be so highly unusual for him.
“I really won’t know what to do with myself,” Hill said, laughing. “I never watched a game at any level I played. I won’t know what Saturday night will be like. I never sat to watch, but I will this time. I’ll just wear my game jersey, so at least I get to be a part of the game. It’s a great experience and I’m happy to be included, and the opportunity to be here with these guys. It’s something I won’t forget.”
Joseph Santoliquito covers high schools for the Philadelphia Daily News and is a frequent contributor to MaxPreps.com. He can be contacted at JSantoliquito@yahoo.com.
