Photo by: Parker Waters
On the Wave: Football's Hilliard Paving the Way for the Green Wave
Sep 26, 2017 | Football
Note: This story originally appeared in the Sept. 23 edition of Green Wave Illustrated for the Tulane vs. Army West Point football game.
Before Dontrell Hilliard's final season in a Green Wave uniform draws to a close, he is determined to leave his mark. The kind of mark that won't be noted in his biography or inked in the record books—but one that impacts the lives of others.
"A lot of my teammates tell me, 'I really look up to you, you really mean a lot,'" Hilliard said. "It's okay to be successful, but it's pointless being that guy if I'm not helping anybody else become that guy. I think one of the biggest ways to leave your mark is in the books, but being able to touch somebody and hear them say 'I look up to Dontrell' just makes you feel good."
Hilliard's teammates have plenty to look up to. He has led Tulane in both rushing yards (2,065) and rushing touchdowns (20) since his sophomore season, and leads all current players in scoring with 132 career points. With 104 yards at Oklahoma last week, the senior from Baton Rouge became Tulane's 12th 2,000-yard rusher. His skills at running back were developed as a high school freshman at Scotlandville Magnet in Baton Rouge, where he saw the offensive side of the ball for the first time.
"I actually was never really an offensive guy," Hilliard said. "Before high school I mostly played defense: outside linebacker, safety and corner. My freshman year of high school the coaches just sprung running back up on me—and it stuck."
A versatile and talented athlete, Hilliard takes pride in his athletic achievements. A natural competitor, he fears no opponent. In fact, it is the competitiveness of football that he loves most about the sport. He plays with the mindset that he can beat anyone.
"I go out there believing I'm the best person on the field," Hilliard declares. "And if you're better, then you're going to have to show me."
Hilliard is driven by that mentality to push himself and his teammates to perform at their best. He approaches each day looking to improve on the last, and seeks new ways to better himself while motivating his teammates to do the same.
Now in the final season of his collegiate football career, Hilliard has grown into a leadership role. The veteran has high hopes for the team this season and is optimistic about the progress he and his teammates are making.
"My biggest goal this season is to win six games and go to a bowl game," Hilliard said. "We have a lot of potential. It's so close it's crazy. It's going to be amazing when we play our best game."
Off the field, Hilliard is pursuing his bachelor's degree in digital design, and expects to graduate in May. He hopes to continue playing football at the next level, and also has plans to take advantage of his education.
"I really want to go to the NFL," Hilliard said. "My plan outside of that is to take advantage of my degree in digital design. I want to create my own brand and open my own gym."
Hilliard's four years at Tulane have provided him with much more than an education and a place to play football. It is here where Hilliard made close friends, matured into a leader, and grew into the individual he is today.
"It's been a good experience," Hilliard said of his time at Tulane. "I can't envision myself anywhere else. I feel like I'm taking advantage of everything here, and I think down the line it's going to pay off for me."
With nearly a full season of college football still in front of him, Hilliard looks forward to making the most of it. His final season will be the culmination of his career with the Green Wave, and Hilliard's ambition, leadership, and hard work have set the stage for him to make his mark as lasting as possible.
Before Dontrell Hilliard's final season in a Green Wave uniform draws to a close, he is determined to leave his mark. The kind of mark that won't be noted in his biography or inked in the record books—but one that impacts the lives of others.
"A lot of my teammates tell me, 'I really look up to you, you really mean a lot,'" Hilliard said. "It's okay to be successful, but it's pointless being that guy if I'm not helping anybody else become that guy. I think one of the biggest ways to leave your mark is in the books, but being able to touch somebody and hear them say 'I look up to Dontrell' just makes you feel good."
Hilliard's teammates have plenty to look up to. He has led Tulane in both rushing yards (2,065) and rushing touchdowns (20) since his sophomore season, and leads all current players in scoring with 132 career points. With 104 yards at Oklahoma last week, the senior from Baton Rouge became Tulane's 12th 2,000-yard rusher. His skills at running back were developed as a high school freshman at Scotlandville Magnet in Baton Rouge, where he saw the offensive side of the ball for the first time.
"I actually was never really an offensive guy," Hilliard said. "Before high school I mostly played defense: outside linebacker, safety and corner. My freshman year of high school the coaches just sprung running back up on me—and it stuck."
A versatile and talented athlete, Hilliard takes pride in his athletic achievements. A natural competitor, he fears no opponent. In fact, it is the competitiveness of football that he loves most about the sport. He plays with the mindset that he can beat anyone.
"I go out there believing I'm the best person on the field," Hilliard declares. "And if you're better, then you're going to have to show me."
Hilliard is driven by that mentality to push himself and his teammates to perform at their best. He approaches each day looking to improve on the last, and seeks new ways to better himself while motivating his teammates to do the same.
Now in the final season of his collegiate football career, Hilliard has grown into a leadership role. The veteran has high hopes for the team this season and is optimistic about the progress he and his teammates are making.
"My biggest goal this season is to win six games and go to a bowl game," Hilliard said. "We have a lot of potential. It's so close it's crazy. It's going to be amazing when we play our best game."
Off the field, Hilliard is pursuing his bachelor's degree in digital design, and expects to graduate in May. He hopes to continue playing football at the next level, and also has plans to take advantage of his education.
"I really want to go to the NFL," Hilliard said. "My plan outside of that is to take advantage of my degree in digital design. I want to create my own brand and open my own gym."
Hilliard's four years at Tulane have provided him with much more than an education and a place to play football. It is here where Hilliard made close friends, matured into a leader, and grew into the individual he is today.
"It's been a good experience," Hilliard said of his time at Tulane. "I can't envision myself anywhere else. I feel like I'm taking advantage of everything here, and I think down the line it's going to pay off for me."
With nearly a full season of college football still in front of him, Hilliard looks forward to making the most of it. His final season will be the culmination of his career with the Green Wave, and Hilliard's ambition, leadership, and hard work have set the stage for him to make his mark as lasting as possible.
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