New York Giants: Running Back Jonathan is the HilliMAN

NEW YORK GIANTS – Undrafted free agents sometimes go under the radar, but this is not the case for running back Jonathan Hilliman. However, nothing has stopped or inhibited Hilliman from doing all that he possibly can to reach his full potential.  Hilliman has always been a fighter and has worked hard to earn his spot in the NFL. He has proven just how talented and skilled he is a number of times.  

Hilliman is a true hometown hero, hailing from New Jersey.  At St. Peter’s Prep High School he was a star. He excelled at Boston College, earning many accolades and great accomplishments.  He has always been an achiever both on and off the field. Upon graduating from Boston College with a degree in communications, he transferred to Rutgers University and enrolled in the graduate program to further his education.  

Perhaps what makes Hilliman the most stellar, is his off the field demeanor.  Hilliman is so kind and down-to-earth and always makes it a priority to interact with his fans, whether it be in person or via social media.  He always shows his appreciation and never forgets where he comes from. He gives back to the community by participating in the NFL’s Play60 Initiative, amongst other events and always brings nothing but positivity and encouragement to others. 

Hilliman gave it his all for the New York Giants in training camp and the preseason games and always persevered.  He will no doubt be a star because he handles himself with nothing but determination and hard work!  Jonathan is the HilliMAN!

New York Giants: New Undrafted Rookie Added To The Backup Running Back Competition

The New York Giants are still organizing their roster heading into the third week of the preseason. Their running back position is locked in with Saquon Barkley as the starter. Barkley lead the league in scrimmage yards last year with 2,028 yards en route to winning AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Behind Saquon Barkley, things are not as set in stone. There was a three-way competition for the second-string running back position, but this competition has now grown to a four-way.

Initially, the job battle was between Wayne Gallman, Paul Perkins, and Rod Smith. All three have flashed their potential but also shown great weaknesses. Now, a new back has been added to the mix. Jonathan Hilliman competed hard in the Giants’ second preseason game and could make a push to remain on the roster this season.

Jonathan Hilliman Stats and Highlights:

Jonathan Hilliman was a locally signed undrafted free agent who finished his collegiate career at Rutgers. Hilliman’s first three years were spent at Boston College. Jonathan totaled 1715 rushing yards through his four-year career with an average of 3.5 yards per carry and 19 rushing touchdowns.

These are not overly impressive stats from Jonathan Hilliman, but he flashed enough potential for the Giants to sign him after the draft. And now, after an impressive first preseason game, Hilliman has flashed enough to propel himself into the conversation to make the final roster.

Hilliman received a team-high 16 carries on Friday night versus the Bears. Hilliman continued his average 3.5 yards per carry as he went on to total 56 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown. Jonathan lead the Giants in rushing yards and flashed his elusiveness a couple of times.

Jonathan Hilliman’s touchdown rush was a perfect example of what Hilliman does best. He is a shifty runner who can jump cut and slither his way through the holes to get into the end zone.

Hilliman played an impressive game, especially for his NFL debut. But this does not lock him in on the roster. He lead the team in rushing yards and carries, but his average yards per carry was only third of the runners. Paul Perkins averaged 5.8 yards per carry and Rod Smith averaged 4.2 yards per carry.

So it was a fantastic debut for the New Jersey native Hilliman, but he has a long ways to go and tough competition to win if he wants to be on the Giants’ roster in September.