Boston College Football 2014: Jonathan Hilliman, RB

Boston College established itself last year as a place to be for up-and-coming running backs. No wonder a talented newcomer like Jonathan Hilliman is on his way to Chestnut Hill.

Hilliman’s path to Boston College has changes of course, but the Eagles are ending up with a very good young prospective contributor. It started at St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, the same prep school that has been home to several 2014 Eagles. Last season, Jonathan Hilliman had nearly 1,000 rushing yards and earned the notice of a great many schools.

If one remembers the feature we did on Jim Cashman, another New Jersey football player, it noted that he also received more than a handful of offers (we lost count at about 26). Hilliman’s offer list was roughly as long, with at least 27 about which we know. Amongst them were Alabama, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, and Wisconsin. Yes, Steve Addazio’s staff beat out Nick Saban, Brady Hoke, and Urban Meyer (Addazio’s former boss) for a recruit.

However, Hilliman’s original plan was to stay in his home state and play on the banks of the Raritan at Rutgers. Finally, last December, as he was still being wooed by a number of schools, the senior dropped his commitment to the Scarlet Knights and chose to be part of a program which just produced Heisman finalist and current New York Giant Andre Williams.

There’s no doubt that the future is very bright for Hilliman in general, but is 2014?

Jonathan Hilliman: Fast Facts

• Position: Running back
• Hometown: Jersey City, New Jersey
• High School: St. Peter’s Prep, New Jersey
• Measurements: 6-foot-1, 210 lb.
• Class year at 2014 opener: Freshman
• BC games played: 0

Jonathan Hilliman: 2013 Season (HS)

• Cumulative statistics: 103 rush, 995 yards, 15 TD
• Did not appear on Spring 2014 roster

There is potentially a role for Jonathan Hilliman on this team in 2014. Of course, this Eagles team doesn’t have Williams, but they do have Myles Willis, Marcus Outlow, and several others from last year’s roster carrying over. Finding enough bodies will not be an issue, but which bodies to use will. In that group, someone will not play, either riding the bench or redshirting. Right now, there is no telling who that will be.

Having too many fine players is a good problem to have. If Hilliman’s services are not needed in 2014, rest assured they will be needed in the years to follow, and the expectation is that he will thrive when that happens.

Missed any 2014 player or season previews? Click the “114 Days” tag below to catch up on what we’ve shared so far.