Sophomore cornerback Naz Hill (2) is expected to play a key role for the Southern Illinois defense this fall. (Photo by Barry Bottino, PrairieStatePigskin. com)
By Dan Verdun
CARBONDALE – Even in this NIL/transfer portal era, Southern Illinois head coach Nick Hill still believes in signing high school recruits.
“You’re always going to take transfers, but you’ve still got to develop freshmen,” Hill told Prairie State Pigskin, noting 130 prep juniors attended last Friday’s spring scrimmage at Saluki Stadium.
“You might not see them (on the field) for a couple years, but then they’re ready to go and you know all about them. Everybody’s not brand new,” Hill said.
And sometimes it happens even more quickly.
With the nature of today’s ever-changing college football world, depth has perhaps never been more important. Players who were attending their high school proms one spring day, may find their way into your team’s rotation come fall.
Sophomore linebacker Ben Fiegel is one example.
The Batavia High School graduate found his way into nine games last season as a true freshman. Fiegel finished with a flourish, registering five tackles in a win against Murray State in the season finale.
With senior Andrew Behm returning from injury, Fiegel is transitioning from middle linebacker to Will, or weakside, linebacker.
“For me, it’s just learning to play outside-in rather than inside-out,” Fiegel said. “That’s been the biggest difference for me because my whole life I’ve played inside-out as Mike (middle) linebacker.”
Hill said the move was made possible not only by Fiegel’s physical skills but also by his intelligence.
“The thing about Ben is that he comes from such a great high school program in Batavia. They’re just super smart,” Hill said.
Redshirt freshman linebacker Charles Whelpley is another Batavia product on the roster. Whelpley transferred to SIU from FBS Iowa State.
“Charlie has really solidified himself in the spring. He could be a really high-level player for us,” Hill said.
There are several other underclassmen that Hill sees making an impact for the Saluki defense this fall.
“Guys feel new life with a new team, even if they were on the team last year,” Hill said. “Any time you can be in the second year of a system, you can take some steps forward. I’ve been happy with the way they’ve flown around. Every time we have gone live in practice, we have gotten turnovers.”
Seeing his younger players develop and prosper brings great satisfaction to Hill.
“One of the most fun parts of spring for me is watching the guys who redshirted last year. You can see them get new life when they come out to spring practice. They’re getting to go out there a lot more. They have all gotten stronger and they’ve gotten better,” he said.
Freshman David Obadein from Plainfield South is one such player.
“He played corner in high school. (At outside linebacker), he’s just been learning that position. He has to learn to let plays go. He’s so hard on himself. He wants to get it perfect every time,” Hill said. “He’s going to be a great Sauki. I’m excited about him.”
Obadein provided some excitement in last weekend’s SIU situational scrimmage by grabbing a pair of interceptions.
“I’m just trying to learn and be comfortable with the scheme of the system. I’ve got the ability. I’ve just got to build that confidence, and these 15 spring practices were the best opportunity to do that,” Obadein said.
Sophomore Naz Hill and freshman Cameron Cason figure to see plenty of snaps at cornerback, traditionally a position that calls for physical play in the SIU system. Hill is listed at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, while Cason is 6-foot and 170 pounds.
“Naz has really turned it on the last two weeks,” Coach Hill said. “He’s probably always going to be one of the bigger corners that you see.”
Naz Hill, who helped lead Kankakee to an Illinois Class 5A state runner-up finish in 2021, previously played at FBS Wyoming.
“I’m just a hard-hitting corner. I can do anything, and I can attack the play,” he said. “I’m in a great spot here at SIU.”
Meanwhile, Nick Hill said he has also been impressed by the play of redshirt freshman defensive end Lukus McDaniels and freshman safety Clayton Lakatos of nearby Edwardsville.
“Some of those guys are going to have to play key roles for us this year,” Hill said of his younger players.
Dan Verdun is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin. He has written four books: NIU Huskies Football, EIU Panthers Football, ISU Redbirds Football and SIU Salukis Football.
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