Undrafted rookie Holton Hill turning heads at Vikings training camp

EAGAN, Minn. (KMSP) - From Kirk Cousins to Sheldon Richardson and an entire 2018 draft class, there are plenty of new players in purple to keep an eye on in camp. But of all the fresh faces, there’s one undrafted rookie who is going far from unnoticed.

“It’s been amazing, like a good feeling,” said Holton Hill, rookie cornerback. “Just taking it day by day, just learning from the vets. I like applying everything from the meeting room out to the field.”

Hill is applying himself all over the field and already turning heads in Eagan. He’s a tall, long cornerback, who appears to be a nice fit for Mike Zimmer’s mold in Minnesota.

“The thing I bring is my competitive edge,” said Hill. “Also, I’m a team player, whatever role they want me to do, I’m going to do the best of my ability.”

“We’ll continue to work with him, but he’s been receptive to everything,” said Zimmer. “I think he’s eager to learn.”

Hill has earned early praise from his coach and teammates, like Xavier Rhodes. Hill is also holding onto advice from veteran players to get on the right path in the pros.

“I just like stand back and watch them work – I watch them for the technique and individual drills, I just try to soak in everything that Xavier and Trae [Waynes] do,” said Hill.

Hill picked on college quarterbacks with two pick sixes in 2017 at Texas. He comes in with some capability and some concerns as he was suspended for violating team rules with the Longhorns last season. With Draft Day disappointment in the past, he’s taking it day by day to earn a spot in an already loaded secondary.

“I feel like I should have been drafted, but everything happens for a reason, so I don’t question it at all,” said Hill. “That just gives me that extra 'it factor.' I’ll just go out there and prove myself and go out there every day and I’m going to work for it.”