Michigan Football: 3 Candidates for Wolverines open DT position
Plucked from SEC country
Chris Hinton is a conquer of men. In high school, at Greater Atlanta Christian, no one could stop the five-star from getting to the man with the ball.
Hinton is one of only two five-stars from the 2019 class. 247 Sports internally ranked him at No. 47 overall, the No. 4 DT, and No. 8 from GA. Their composite has him at No. 31, No. 4, and No.7 respectively.
Here’s 247 sports Charles Power with the evaluation:
"Wide, thick build with a developed lower body. Plays with a high effort level and shows ability to make plays in backside pursuit. Can take on and beat double teams. Smart player who shows anticipation and instincts. Has advanced hands and does an outstanding job with technique at the point of attack. Has yet to test as a top athlete for a defensive lineman. Looks likely to grow into a defensive tackle at the next level. Projects as a multi-year Power 5 starter with the potential to develop into an NFL Draft selection."
According to Rivals, which also has Hinton as a five-star, Chris ranked 15th nationally, second at this position, and third in-state.
ESPN also has a ranking for Hinton and they placed him at 48th nationally, fifth at his position, and ninth in-state. Here is the evaluation ($):
"STRENGTHS: Demonstrates ability to come off low and gain leverage and when does can hold ground one-on-one. Can locate ball well and flashes ability to quickly flatten and is a solid wrap-up tackler that can finish… AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: Good frame with room to add more mass and with that continue to improve power. Shows flashes, but can improve snap anticipation and first-step. …. BOTTOM LINE: Hinton is a prospect with good frame and displays ability to be a productive run defender in the trenches. Developing as an OL should not be ruled out and could present little higher ceiling on that side of the ball."
Chris comes from good stock, as the son of the longtime NFL star with the same name. The older Hinton made the Pro-Bowl seven times, First-Team All-Pro four times, Second-Team All-Pro three times, and has his name proudly mounted in the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor.
Chris is destined for greatness, but he didn’t show it in the four games he appeared in as a freshman. That doesn’t mean he won’t as a starter on the line in year two, however. The question is: Will he be given the chance? It all about effort, and being better than the next two guys.