The early season hamstring injury is now a memory. Of course, I’m talking about Will “The Thrill” Hill, probably the most high profile recruit from Urban Meyer’s recent freshman class. The injury ensured he was behind Ahmad Black and Major Wright on the depth chart, but Hill announced his presence in a big way Saturday. Coach Meyer referred to his defense as a “three safety team” after the outstanding effort.

Will Hill has seen some time on special teams, mainly kickoff coverage. The Kentucky game was the first we saw him in extended minutes on defense, and he had a huge game. He led the defense in tackles with 11… 9 solo! I haven’t heard yet if he got more playing time because of Florida’s big lead. But certainly, he made a case to earn more playing time moving forward, regardless of how he found himself on the field in the first place.

Our defense has been much improved this year. But limiting Kentucky to 5 points is hardly a coronation. So many of the Wildcats’ playmakers were hurt, I think Tim Couch hurt himself while covering the game for the Big Blue Sports Network. What I’m getting at is while the defense is improved, to grow into a dominant defense it needs some of these big-time prospect playmakers to emerge. Will Hill has been touted as the kind of prospect that can be a big-time playmaker on a big-time defense, now he, and the UF defense, may be ready to show it.

Ahmad Black has shown that, despite his shortcomings (pun unintended), he can play a major role on an SEC defense. Major Wright shows he belongs with every bone-crushing, fumble-inducing hit that he doles out. And now Will Hill has shown he deserves some playing time. I, for one, will be waiting to see if he breaks out in a bigger way- on a bigger stage- next week in the Cocktail Party.

James is a guest contributor to gatorsportsnation and a founder of gatorsfirst.com