WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.- Former Monmouth football player Matt Hill (Hopatcong, N.J./Hopatcong) became the first Hawk to sign a professional contract with a team from Canadian Football League, when the Calgary Stampeders offered the safety a two-year contract recently.
Hill signed with the Stampeders after the club offered him a two year contract on New Years Eve. The Stampeders have the option to keep the 2006 First Team All-NEC safety on the roster for the 2009 season, but there is a two-month period when he can work out for NFL teams. Hill ended his career with 265 tackles and nine interceptions, which ranks fourth and third all-time at Monmouth. After leading the Hawks in takedowns as a senior, Hill was named Sports Network Mid-Major All-American and First Team All-Northeast Region.
“There was a time I just wanted to play football professionally anywhere,” said Hill. “When I got the call [from his agent on New Years Eve] it was probably the happiest I have been in my life. The CFL is pretty much the second highest level of professional football and I just want an opportunity to showcase my skills at the professional level.”
Hill sent tapes all over and worked out for the Montreal Alouettes and a scout for the Stampeders happened to be in attendance. That scout then contacted some other clubs that had worked out Hill and decided to offer a contract to the former First Team All-NEC safety. The Hopatcong, N.J, native joins wideouts Will Holder (AFL's New York Dragons) and Miles Austin (Dallas Cowboys) as third player in MU's history to sign a professional football contract.
“I think playing at Monmouth helped me to evolve as a football player,” said Hill. “Coming from freshman to senior year the way I played changed drastically. I am constantly complimented on my technique and my skills when working out for scouts. Working on drills with Coach Callahan and the staff really helped refine things like the way I press and back peddle.”
Hill will report to Stampeders' training camp in the last week of May.
For more information on the CFL and the Calgary Stampeders visit http://www.stampeders.com/
