Miami Hurricanes graduate transfer defensive end Trevon Hill is looking forward to facing his former teammates at Virginia Tech on Saturday. Hill was a productive player for the Hokies before being dismissed last year.
Trevon Hill had 94 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 11.5 tackles for loss in 29 games for Virginia Tech from 2016-18 before he was dismissed from the program three games into last season. Hill announced his intention to sign with the Miami Hurricanes football program in January.
Hill was off to an exceptional start in 2018 with 11 tackles 4.5 TFLs and 3.5 sacks in three games before being kicked off the team. Hill’s dismissal was allegedly for a disagreement with a coach in the locker room and was the last in a series of incidents that led up to him being let go from the Virginia Tech football team.
Hill has six tackles, two TFLs and one sack through Miami’s first four games. It has been tough for him to get snaps with the depth Miami has at DE. Hill is battling with starters, junior Jonathan Garvin and senior Scott Patchan and redshirt freshman Greg Rousseau to earn playing time.
The Hurricanes rotation at defensive end with those four should continue throughout the season. The likelihood is Hill’s playing time and rotation at DE will depend on game flow.
Hill discussed playing his old teammates at Virginia Tech, the difficulty of leaving the Hokies program, being at Miami now and the differences between Miami and Blacksburg and Hurricanes coach Manny Diaz and Hokies head coach Justin Fuente after practice last week.
"“I couldn’t even express to you how bad I want to play in this game…We have a great relationship. Me and the guys are close…It was hard to leave, but I’m here now. I’m happy to be with these guys. It felt good, but I’m not satisfied…It took me, what, four games to get one sack? So I’m pissed off about that. There’s more to come.The amount of players that just come back here and show love, the national championships,” Hill said. It’s just a little bit different vibe. It’s the tradition. The traffic is way different…People drive crazy out here. It’s a little bit more energy. He’s more of a players’ coach.”"
There was a lot of questions surrounding Hill’s departure from Virginia Tech. He addressed it in a twitter post in January. He went into detail about leaving Virginia Tech and what was next for him that would eventually be joining the Miami Hurricanes football program.
"“I’m a very passionate player that plays with a lot of heart and tenacity…Where I’m from, we don’t take losing lightly, and I just wanted to instill that in my teammates and bring the best out of them.During the Virginia Tech game at ODU, specifically during halftime, I was having a conversation with my teammates, and one of the staff overhead a part of the conversation. Words were said and a heated exchange took place.To this day, I’m still confused, and hurt, about why my dismissal was the solution to a problem I sincerely believe could have been talked out. However, decisions that were out of my control were made.Now, looking back, I regret my part in all of this and have learned I need to work on harnessing my passion about winning the right way.”"
— The Trevon Hill (@TreSavage94_) January 8, 2019
Hill was asked if he regretted his time at Virginia Tech where he spent four seasons. Many players would be bitter about what happened. Hill was on pace for an all-conference season in 2018 before being dismissed.
"“Nah. I believe God has a plan for everybody, so I just take the good with the bad and just run with it, honestly…I’m happy to be here in the position I’m in. I ended up getting my degree [in property management] out it. Can’t be mad."
Hill should continue to be a key player in the rotation for Miami at defensive end in 2019. He and Patchan are good mentors at defensive end for the Hurricanes. Hill’s comment about the alums returning seems to indicate he will always be a Miami Hurricanes player and return to Coral Gables when he is playing in the NFL.