Peyton Hillis is an American Football Player who was born on January 21, 1986 in Conway, AR. He played high school football at Conway High before attending the University of Arkansas from 20042008 where he played for the Razorbacks football team.
He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2008. In 2010, he has emerged as the starting Running Back for the Cleveland Browns. I have been watching his progression, and he is now my favorite player to watch on a weekly basis. This dude is bad, you know, in the good way.
When I become a fan of a Sports Star, I want to know about them. I want to learn what they are all about, so I can talk about them. There's cheap nfl jerseys china nothing worse than not knowing the answer to the question: "Why is he your favorite player?" So, I started researching this guy, and I am taking you along for the journey (if you want to go).
Photo used under Creative Commons from denverjeffrey.
Peyton Hillis attended the University of Arkansas from 20042008. As a Freshman and Sophomore, Hillis showed quality potential in multiple areas on the football field as he racked up some some respectable yardage stats and 15 total touchdowns in Rushing and Receiving. However, there were two young Running Backs (Darren McFadden and Felix Jones) that were becoming a tandem cheap nfl jerseys wholesale feature for the Arkansas Razorbacks. McFadden and Jones were featured in the Arkansas offense from 20052008, which forced/allowed the big and tough Peyton Hillis to show his football prowess in many areas.
"In his collegiate career, Hillis generated 960 rushing yards, 1197 receiving yards, 23 total touchdowns, and added 470 yards on special teams in his four years at Arkansas. One of the most versatile players on the Razorbacks' offensive roster, Hillis was eventually used as a fullback, halfback, tight end, wide receiver, kick returner, and punt returner at different points in his collegiate career."
Source: Peyton Hillis on Wikipedia.
Clinton Portis on Peyton Hillis' 2010 Season: Hillis is a Beast
Portis speaks about the tough road that White Running Backs face indicating that it is similar to that of Black Quarterbacks.
Peyton Hillis: 20102011 Pro Bowl Alternate
Peyton Hillis is a second alternate for the AFC Pro Bowl Squad. This means that two players at the RB Position would have to be unable to compete in the January 30, 2011 Pro Bowl in order for Hillis to participate in the game.
1/18/2011: The Great White Hope
Bleacher Report tackles the subject of the 1,000 Yard Rushing Season of Peyton Hillis in the 2010 NFL Season.
1/19/11: Radio Interview Transcript for Peyton Hillis
Inside Hillis talks about the various nicknames he has heard. Among them include "The Avalanche", "White Rhino" and "Chuck Norris."
Peyton was drafted in the 7th Round, 227th overall, in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Drafted as a Full Back, Hillis played in 26 games as a Denver Bronco in the 2008 and 2009 NFL seasons. During his stay in Denver, he rushed 81 times for 397 yards and reached the End Zone 6 times for Touchdowns. He also added 18 receptions for 198 yards and 1 Touchdown.
In the 2010 off season, Peyton Hillis was traded from the Denver Broncos to the Cleveland Browns for former Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn.
As a member of the Cleveland Browns, Hillis has had the opportunity to show that he is a quality Running Back in the NFL. Just over halfway through the season (9 games played), Hillis has already rushed 726 yards, 8 rushing TD's, 256 yards receiving, and 1 TD reception. As long as the Browns are struggling in the passing game, Peyton will continue to be a prosperous option for Fantasy Football players.
2010 Fantasy Match Up: Week 13
The Browns are in Miami to play the Dolphins. The Dolphins are currently ranked 14th against the run giving up an average of 103.9 YPG on the season. They have given up only 6 rushing TDs. However, last week, the Dolphins went up against a struggling Oakland offense which was missing Michael Bush, Darren McFadden and Jason Campbell. In the three weeks before that, Miami had given up 83 yards to Baltimore's Ray Rice, 117 to Tennessee's Chris Johnson, and 97 to Chicago's Matt Forte. Ray Rice also added another 97 yards receiving.
All of this, IMO, bodes well for Hillis' chance at another fine fantasy performance. Hillis has been an integral part of the Browns offense both in rushing and receiving. Consider also that Miami is currently ranked 4th in Pass Defense giving up an average of 201.4 YPG and only 9 TDs on the season. If anyone for the Browns is going to have a good game, I would say it will be Peyton Hillis.
2010 Fantasy Match Up: Week 14
Peyton Hillis and Cleveland Browns are headed to Buffalo this weekend to take on the Bills. Hillis is only 38 yards away from a 1,000 yard rushing season for the first time in his professional career. It is likely that he will get more than he needs against a Bills defense that is giving up an average of 107.9 ypg thus far in the 2010 NFL season. They have also given up 14 rushing touchdowns. In the last three weeks, they have given up more than 100 yards in each game to Cedric Benson (124), Reshard Mendenhall (151), and Adrian Peterson (107).
Note: Hillis is coming off one of his worst games so far in 2010. If I had to guess, I would say that Hillis will be looking to prove something in Buffalo.