The Wolverine

October 2022

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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OCTOBER 2022 THE WOLVERINE 61   WHERE ARE THEY NOW? pening about making a full-time switch to the position. "That BYU game was my test run at the position," he recalled. "And I am the type of guy who just wants to do his part to help the team win. At the end of the day, it wound up being the best possible move for me." The move paid dividends for Hill, who scored 10 touchdowns in 2016 and added another 3 more on the ground in 2017. Michigan went 10-3 and 8-5 in his two fullback-playing seasons. Following a brief stint in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks, Hill transitioned into life after playing football by becom- ing a coach in his own right. He is currently working as an assis- tant at Cass Tech High School in Detroit, helping coach the tight ends. One of his former Michigan teammates, David Dawson, is in charge of the offensive line for the local powerhouse program. "Dave was on me about coaching," he said. "I want to eventually work on a collegiate or NFL level of becoming a director of player development or player engagement. That's what I want to get into and what my endgame plan is. "But I'm enjoying it, the coaching as- pect of the game. I'm enjoying it a lot more than I thought I would. That is a blessing. Dave has been a focal point of telling me to get out there. "I know the tight end game very well and think I will be a great coach at it. If a coaching opportunity presents itself at the next level, that would be dope, too. "I'm looking forward to everything that could be in store for me." Being a Detroit native and giving back to kids in his hometown is a role that Hill embraces, even at a school other than his alma mater. He also does not take the responsibility lightly. "It's a heavy weight," Hill said. "I cur- rently work in the Detroit Public Schools as an attendance agent at Montgomery Elementary. I've been giving back to my city. I've coached at camps and did an outreach program this summer. You go out, you help mentor them and also teach them to take care of the environment. "Giving back is huge to me and brings me joy. We need kids to visualize good people who do good and who are doing big things in the city that come from the city. A lot of these kids do not have that. "I just want to make sure that they see that it is possible to make a difference." Hill, like many of his U-M peers, ac- knowledges that his experience in Ann Arbor helped prepare him for what- ever life throws his way. Readiness for changing factors stands out as the big- gest takeaway. "Be prepared when the opportunity comes," he said. "I didn't grasp that when I was at Michigan. "A lot of these kids don't understand that there is only a small opportunity to do something, to do the thing that you want to do in life. And it's only going to come and go one time. "I could have played my freshman year, but I did not take it seriously and was not ready. It took me some time to get there. "My playing days came and went. I'm thankful for that experience and the time I had. "I just want these kids to know that you are going to mess up. You're going to feel everything, and it is not going to be perfect, but you can always make the most out of something. "Sports may not always be your call- ing. It may be something different." ❏ The Khalid Hill File Michigan Accolades: Member of 2013 recruiting class … Four-year letterman (2014-2017) ... Appeared in 44 games at tight end and full- back with 11 starts while contrib- uting on special teams … Finished with 42 rushes for 73 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns with 29 catches for 288 yards and 3 receiv- ing scores in his career. Professional Accolades: Un- drafted free agent with Seattle Se- ahawks (2018) … Currently working in the Detroit Public School system and is an assistant coach (tight ends) at Cass Tech High School in Detroit. Favorite Spot On Campus: "Mr. Spots, because that place is legend- ary in my eyes. They are No. 1 for me." Favo r i te M i c h i g a n M e m o r y: "2016 Senior Day. I was a senior that year even though I stayed for the next season. David Turnley had made a video of pictures from the year you were having, and every- thing seemed so right. My family was there and everything was just full circle. I felt the emotion running out of me. I was on teams where we were terrible. For us to come back the way we did [in 2015 and 2016], it was all full circle for me." Hill is an assistant coach at Cass Tech High School, overseeing the tight ends, and working in the Detroit Public School system. PHOTO COURTESY KHALID HILL

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