The Giants view Will Hill as a rising star at safety, potentially a player who could emerge as a fixture on their defense. But there’s a chance he never plays for them again as he faces a suspension for failing yet another drug test.
This has become a springtime ritual for Hill, as a lengthy suspension is looming for the third consecutive year and this third strike could mean he’s finally out of the Giants’ plans.
What else is new with the 24-year old Hill? The New Jersey product is an ascending player on the field, but an unreliable presence off it.
In 2012, he was suspended for the first four games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing drugs after he was found to have used Adderall. In 2013, he was suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Hill later explained he smoked marijuana to relieve the tension he felt living back home in a difficult environment.
In December, Hill was arrested for being delinquent on his child support payments. When his car was pulled over, police detected the smell of marijuana in the car and also evidence that marijuana was prepared and smoked in the car. The arrest might have tipped off the Giants to the possibility of another Hill suspension.
This time, any suspension will be lengthier than four games. If Hill violated the substance abuse policy, he faces a ban of six games and possibly — but not likely — a season-long ban. If he violated the performance enhancing drug policy, he faces a suspension of eight games.
Either way, it could be a devastating blow to his football career. He emerged in 2013 as a starting free safety and was expected to fill that role again. A physical presence and powerful tackler, Hill started nine games and had 60 tackles and two interceptions.
The Giants’ backup contingency plans will include Stevie Brown, who was re-signed coming off ACL surgery, and newly acquired Quintin Demps. Cooper Taylor also returns after a nondescript rookie season.
Hill will appeal any suspension.
“Will is a phenomenal guy, not only athlete, a great guy, a great teammate, a little brother to myself,’’ safety Antrel Rolle said. “My main concern is Will Hill, not necessarily with the Giants. We’ll keep on encouraging him and embrace him and lift his spirits up and hopefully it’s nothing.’’
Left tackle Will Beatty, coming off a broken leg, said he is allowed to run, but could not promise he will be ready for the regular season.
“I want to keep pace with everybody right now … I want to be ready when they say we’re ready to put on pads,’’ Beatty said.
The Giants must decide by May 3 if they will pick up the fifth-year option for cornerback Prince Amukamara.
“If they do it, that’s great,’’ he said. “If they don’t, I mean that’s great, too. I’d be very excited if they did, of course. Who wouldn’t want the fifth-year option? It shows that the team wants you, and who doesn’t want to feel wanted?’’