Helvetic Guards find quarterback in Collin Hill

| American Football | 12/02/2022

The Helvetic Guards of Switzerland have signed Colorado State (NCAA, DI) and South Carolina (NCAA, DI) quarterback Collin Hill for their inaugural season in the European League of Football (ELF).

The 6’4 220-lb Hill attended Dorman High School in South Carolina where he still holds school records for career and season touchdown passes, completion percentage and passing yards. He led the Cavaliers to the South Carolina State Championship, lettering for three years in football and two in basketball.

His outstanding high school career garnered nationwide interest at the college level. Hill eventually decided to leave his home state and committed to Colorado State. However, his time at Colorado State was fraught with injury and he was forced to undergo three ACL surgeries during his time there.

Despite Hill’s struggle to stay healthy, he stayed the course and managed to put together three impressive years at Colorado State amassing 23 touchdowns and 3,323 yards between 2016-19 (Hill was redshirted in 2017).

Following his graduation from Colorado State, and his third ACL surgery, Hill transferred to South Carolina to pursue a Master’s in Educational Technology. He was unable to participate in Spring drills due to his knee surgery but earned the starting spot in fall and started the first eight games where he threw for 1,411 yards and six touchdowns.

Hill’s collegiate career was plagued with unfortunate injuries that kept not only his game time limited but also his practice reps and off-field work. Clearly feeling like he has more to give, Hill now joins former NFL and Division 1 coach Norm Chow in Switzerland with one of ELF’s newest members.

Chow commented on Hill’s signing:

“We are excited about Collin joining the Helvetic Guards. He was a starter as a true freshman in Division I football and later transferred to the University of South Carolina during the Covid years. He then had a tryout with the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. At 6 ’5-inches tall he has great pocket presence with a good arm and accuracy. He, along with the other Swiss quarterbacks, will form a strong quarterback group to help guide and lead our team.”

Daniel Mackenzie is a Press Association graduate who works in journalism and communications in the third sector. Daniel began playing football for the London Warriors and Team Great Britain and has since played across Europe.