Southlake Carroll QB Kenny Hill signs with Texas A&M

By Jarret Johnson

jmjohnson@star-telegram.com

Kenny Hill, the 2012 AP Texas Class 5A Player of the Year, made it official Wednesday by signing with Texas A&M.

The Southlake Carroll quarterback was one of 19 Dragons, including football teammates Ray Crockett (Tulsa), Ty Cummings (Houston) and Cam Manning (Louisiana Tech) to sign their Letter of Intent in a ceremony at the school.

After committing to the Aggies in April, Hill reopened his recruitment in December, taking visits to both Kansas State and Baylor. Yet, Hill said on Wednesday, his official visit to College Station a couple weeks ago reaffirmed his desire to sign with A&M.

"Throughout the year nothing really changed for me about Texas A&M," Hill said. "The only time it really changed was when Johnny [Manziel] won the Heisman and coach [Kliff] Kingsbury left right after that. That's what really made me re-evaluate my decision."

Hill accomplished about everything possible in three years as the starting quarterback for Carroll. At 6-foot-1, 205-pounds, with a strong and accurate arm, deceptive speed and enough strength to truck defenders in short-yardage situations, he was a nightmare matchup for opponents.

Hill finished with a 12-2 record in the playoffs, including an undefeated run to record-tying eighth UIL state championship as a junior. He amassed 7,925 yards, 66 touchdowns through the air and another 3,253 yards, 64 scores on the ground over the course of his career.

Hill's senior season was his most productive as he threw for 3,373 yards and 27 touchdowns and added 1,430 yards and 33 scores.

"Kenny is a remarkable young man. He was always a great teammate," Carroll coach Hal Wasson said. "I loved his competitive spirit, I loved his composure and he was always mature beyond his years in my opinion. Through all that, I just think it's all about the relationship. I really cherished those times and look forward to those times in the future as he goes to A&M."

In addition to his exploits on the gridiron, Hill, the son of former major league All-Star pitcher Ken Hill, is a standout third basemen for the Dragons and said he plans to play both sports for the Aggies. He added that while he hasn't discussed with the A&M baseball coaching staff what position he will play, he said everyone is on board and wants him to play both sports.

Hill also admitted he's relieved the recruiting process is behind him.

"I'm overjoyed, I'm ecstatic to get down there," Hill said. "I'm ready for coaches to start sending me the offense, so I can get used to that, start doing the workouts and stuff like that."

Jarret Johnson, 817-390-7760

Twitter: @JohnsonJarret

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