Side Tracked: Barkley Hill

Former Tiger runningback Barkley Hill runs the ball in a high school game.

Barkley Hill trucked through a tackle and forced his way into the endzone like he had done so many times before in high school. But this particular play forced Hill out of the game, just like his last high school play against Bettendorf in the playoffs last season. Cornerback Torrey Campbell threw down Hill at the end of an eight-yard touchdown run that resulted in Hill tearing his left ACL. He will now be using the season to redshirt and work on strengthening himself for the Hawkeyes 2013 campaign.

“Barkley Hill’s knee injury during Saturday’s practice will require ACL reconstruction surgery later this week,” said Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz in a press release. Hill went under the knife on Aug. 24 in Iowa City.

As team rules state, Hill is not allowed to address the media regarding his injury or playing status. High school teammate and lifelong friend, Grant Grainger, is living next door to Barkley at Iowa in the Hillcrest building. “[Barkley Hill] has bounced back really well from surgery. Simply put, he’s superhuman,” said Grainger.

Hill watched from a players section of the stands in Iowa’s loss to Iowa State 6-9 last Saturday. “I know watching that game was really tough for Barkley. He wanted to beat Iowa State real bad,” Grainger said.

Watching his Hawkeyes lose on Saturday could be the start to a long season for Hill, who likely would’ve seen significant playing time against the Cyclones. Hill fully intends on competing for the starting spot next season. “I think he can be one of the best running backs Iowa has ever seen,” said Grainger.