KD Hill sees an Ole Miss journey fulfilled by wearing No. 38
Prior to No. 22 Ole Miss’ season opener against Troy last week the annual tradition of selected the Chucky Mullins Courage Award winner and for KD Hill it was a journey fulfilled.
The senior defensive tackle was named by head coach Lane Kiffin as this year’s recipient and awarded the honor of wearing No. 38, the number Mullins wore at Ole Miss and has now become one of the most respected numbers in program history.
When Hill came to Ole Miss in 2018 there were several goals he wanted to accomplish during the time in Oxford. But last week checked off the most important one of all for Hill.
“It was truly a blessing to be able wear that number,” Hill said. “It’s a honor and privilege. It’s something I’ve been working towards since I was a freshman here. When I first took my visit here I first learned about this number and always told myself I would get it. That’s just determination and perseverance because it hasn’t been easy on my journey here.”
Related: Ole Miss nose tackle K.D. Hill epitomizes what the Mullins award is about
The announcement was an emotional moment Hill wanted to share with his family, especially his mother.
After being handed his new jersey number Hill quickly called his mother after last Wednesday’s practice to share the good news.
Hill’s journey over the last five years at Ole Miss has seen “ups and downs,” according to him. Being able to share that moment with his mother made it all the more special.
“My journey, it’s been ups and downs and I know the work I’ve put in when no one was watching,” Hill said. “I know everything I’ve been through it was for a reason and it was just very emotional because my mom was apart of that process as well. She trusted in me when no one else did.”
Hill’s first game in his new number saw Ole Miss defeat Troy, but it was not a perfect outing.
Ole Miss (1-0) came away with the victory but the second half effort by both the offense and defense left a sour taste in the players’ mouths.
Hill played 32 snaps against the Trojans but did not record a tackle. The overall performance of Ole Miss’ defensive front was strong led by the play of Cedric Johnson, JJ Pegues and Tavius Robinson.
Still, there is improvement that can be made ahead of Central Arkansas (0-1) coming to Oxford this Saturday at 6 p.m. CT.
“Just have a lot of effort,” Hill said. “Play as a unit. One thing we always say, coverage and rush. We just continue to work on the small details every single week. One percent better each day. Just focus on those small details. You will improve week-by-week. Just attack this weekend. Treat it like a SEC game.”
