Life can become hectic when you’re one of the south’s hottest rising
prospects and that’s certainly been the case for QB Aramis Hillary from Strom Thurmond High School in
Johnston, SC.
Just this past week, there were several days of exams, workouts in
preparation for the start of spring practice, final studying for a Saturday date
with the SAT test- not to mention daily visits from numerous division one
schools- all intent on catching the eye of one of SC’s top prospects.
All the college attention comes after Hillary put together a super junior
season. He finished off the year with 1,762 yards passing and 11 touchdowns. On
the ground, Hillary chipped in 752 yards rushing and an additional 10
scores.
At 6-3, 218 pounds, Hillary has great size and with 4.68-second speed in the
40-yard dash- the speed that makes him a super weapon on offense. That potential
has led to a flood of college recruiters that have made recent trips through
Strom Thurmond High School. Hillary gave Inside ECU Sports the latest.
"There have been a bunch of coaches come through our school over the last two
weeks to talk with my coach," said Hillary. "I can't remember them all, but some
were Kentucky, Wake Forest, Clemson, and South Carolina. Probably the biggest
name was Auburn's offensive coordinator Al Borges who spent several hours here
on Wednesday. I haven’t received any new offers, but all of those schools said
the same thing- They are interested in me, but they want to see me throw and
spend time with me to learn more about me as a person and leader. They said they
hold QB’s to a higher standard than all the other position players, which I
understand."
Hillary went on to explain how that fact was exactly what had attracted him
to East Carolina in the first place.
"That's why I like ECU so much," he said. "They didn't hesitate once they saw
me on film against real teams. They weren't concerned about camps. My coach and
I went up there last month and once they spent some time with me and saw my
personality, they offered. I can't wait to go back and see everyone again in
June."
That trip played a huge role in landing the Pirates in Hillary’s top two and
a final decision may not be very far off.
"ECU and Mississippi State are my top two choices," he said. "My mom and I
will visit both schools in June when I get out of school because she wants to
meet all the coaches to make sure I am going to be taken care of when I go off
to college. I plan on making a decision soon after I make those trips. We are
still trying to work out the exact dates."
Hillary talked further about his interest in East Carolina.
"I really like ECU because they win," he said. They have great coaches and
facilities and it is close to home so my friends and family can watch me play. I
keep in touch with Coach Petty all the time through text messages, and Coach
Fitch said he was coming to our first day of spring practice."
Hillary projects as an academic qualifier.
Stay tuned for the latest on Hillary and other ECU prospects on Inside ECU
Sports.