Defensive back has been a major need for the Ducks during the 2019 recruiting cycle, particularly in the aftermath of last minute decommitments from Jeremiah Criddell and Elijah Blades prior to the early signing period in December.

On Monday, however, the Ducks received some news they had been hoping for, as Morrow (Ga.) three-star safety Jamal Hill announced his committment to Oregon over a final group consisting of Colorado, Tennessee, and USC.

Thank u god for the guidance . No need for the paragraphs . I AM 1000% Committed to The University of Oregon .Lets go to work. #Scoducks🦆 pic.twitter.com/2BUzX0fz55

— Jamal Hill 🐍 (@rocket3power) January 21, 2019

Hill is the third defensive back to pledge to Oregon’s 2019 recruiting class, joining four-star cornerback Mykael Wright and three-star safety Trikweze Bridges. With his commitment, the Ducks’ 24-man class ranks as the nation’s no. 7 recruiting class per 247Sports’ Composite Team Rankings.

Below we take a closer look at Hill’s game, examining his weaknesses and strengths, as well as projecting how he may make an impact for the Ducks when he ultimately arrives on campus.

Notable weaknesses:

• Work in progress in coverage: For all his physical tools, Hill still has some progress to make as it relates to holding up pass coverage. Often times he can look uncomfortable or out of place when forced to go one-on-one with a receiver, which could make him a potential liability in the pass-happy Pac-12.
• Not a regular playmaker: In a similar vein to his developing coverage skills, Hill doesn’t necessarily flash as a playmaker in the way that a player like fellow safety and Oregon commit Trikweze Bridges does. Doesn’t demonstrate advanced ball skills or a knack for making consistent plays in 50/50 situations.

Notable strengths:

• Excels in run support: The Ducks were missing a capable safety who could be a difference maker against the run when Jeremiah Criddell de-committed from Oregon prior to the early signing period. That is no longer the case, as Hill is at his best using his physicality and fearlessness as a tackler around the line of scrimmage.
• Great closing speed: On film, Hill is instinctual in his ability to seek and destroy opposing ball carriers. He closes on the ball with tremendous speed, quickness and fluidity, and rarely misses when he has an opponent in his proverbial crosshairs.
• Prototypical size/length: At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Hill comes in with a college-ready frame and the physical tools to garner playing time from the get go. With time and dedication in the weight room, expect him to only maximize his physical gifts.

Overall outlook:

One look at Hill and it’s clear almost instantly that this is a player capable of coming in and making and immediate impact whenever he arrives on campus. And while the Ducks already possess solid depth at the safety positions in Nick Pickett, Brady Breeze, Jevon Holland, and Steve Stephens, Hill is a player who could be a day one difference maker on a variety of special teams units thanks to his size, speed, and reckless nature (in a good way) in pursuit of ball carriers. Often times these late cycle additions fly under the radar and don’t generate a ton of buzz, but in Hill, the Ducks have landed ready-made player who, with time, could slide seamlessly into a starting safety role once Pickett and Breeze graduate.