Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Hill works out with Cro, Sanchez, and now Geno

BY NICK ST. DENIS

There's no doubt about it -- Stephen Hill wants to get better.

At the request of New York Jets defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman, the now second-year wideout Hill recently traveled to Southern California to work out with Antonio Cromartie and his crew of defensive backs. (photo: Pedro Cambra, Flickr)

Then, Hill joined up with Mark Sanchez and company at Sanchez's "Jets West" camp to get some work in with his fellow skill position players. And most recently, Hill is catching passes from Sanchez's competition for Gang Green's starting signal-caller job.

Hill is now apparently down in Florida working out with rookie quarterback Geno Smith, as evidenced by this photo, posted by new Jets wideout Vidal Hazelton.

The former Georgia Tech receiver appears to be taking some serious initiative entering his sophomore year, and that's a positive sign for whoever is throwing passes to him come this fall.

Hill came flying out of the gate in his rookie season with two touchdown receptions in the Jets' season-opener, but he battled injuries and inconsistent hands the rest of the year en route to a so-so freshman showing.

This coming season, he's looking to not only prove that he can be dependable with his hands, but also with his health. Fellow young wideout Jeremy Kerley was the Jets' only reliable receiver last year, and veteran Santonio Holmes has yet to prove he's back to full force after suffering a severe foot injury that ended his 2012 campaign.

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