30 Players in 30 Days: #15 — Anthony Hines III

Notes from Billy's breakdown of Hines

• He looks like a college freshman, he’s a little on the slim side. He looks like a youngster which is always a concern in this league, but he’s been here since January, he knows the defense, and he turned heads in spring ball. He can make plays sideline to sideline. He finds the football and gets there. You can tell he understands what offenses are trying to do and he’s got that burst and explosion to the ball.
  
  
• There is nobody in the last few years coming out of Texas who I think is better at seeing where the ball is, getting to it, and taking the guy to the ground. He’s a good tackler. He has that Dat Nguyen feel for the game, being able to sift through traffic and shed blocks. He, like Dat, is an excellent take down artist. He’s a good natural tackler in the timing of it and not missing guys, he has all those things you can’t coach.
  
  
• He will play a lot against UCLA. If he’s not starting there, it won’t be long until he is. How quickly is he the Anthony Hines we saw for the last three years in high school? I don’t know. I think he’ll be an impact player, especially once they get into SEC play. You worry about holding up over the grind because I don’t think he’s all the way there physically just yet. Get him two full offseasons in the weight room and a football season under his belt, primarily as a starter, and he will be a sophomore popping up on All-SEC teams. This year, I think he makes a difference from day one.
  
  
• I think there is a spectrum on the importance of the guys Sumlin signed. Ricky Seals-Jones was a big sign, he was your first major statement guy they signed. If I’m ranking it, Hines is probably number two behind Myles Garrett. At the moment they signed, I think he would come in at number two in terms of importance to the team.
  
  
• Hines has a good size. I think he will be a big linebacker, he just isn't there yet. The high school production is incredible and he has good speed. I think there are some physical freaks who have an upside like Madubuike, but Hines’ upside is All-SEC, All-American caliber. He is the surest bet of being a key player for years to come.
  
  

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