LSU WR Chris Hilton Jr. Ready To Make An Impact, Feeling Healthy Again
LSU wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. has battled tirelessly to get back on the field. After three surgeries in two years with the Tigers, it’s been a struggle, but the versatile wideout now has the chance to make an impact for this program.
The Tigers’ receiving corps has its fair share of talent, but Hilton has the chance to make an impact this season when healthy. From building a relationship with Jayden Daniels to putting in extra work on his own, he’s seeing things begin to get smoother.
For the first time in a while, Hilton is enjoying the game of football again. It’s been a journey to get to this point, but the former four-star receiver is getting back to his old ways.
Feeling Healthy
Hilton tore the meniscus in both his left and right knee during his first few seasons in Baton Rouge. Shortly after, the former four-star wideout tore the labrum in his shoulder. It’s been a battle, but to finally be back on the field and feeling healthy has him rejuvenated.
“Coming in my first two years it was three surgeries, but now I feel I’m at 100%,” Hilton said on Saturday. “So we’ll see how the season goes.”
When it comes to setbacks, Hilton has mastered the mental aspect of it. The easy part is getting back on the field physically, but going through the motions off the field in order to feel like his old self has been one that took time.
“There’s always going to be setbacks, but I’ve proven to myself that I can overcome those,” Hilton said. “The outlook of trying to gain something internally when you’ve consistently been taken off the field is important.”
“It was tough, I just had to keep my faith in God and knowing that it was His plan and not mine, so I just kept my head down and kept working.”
Focusing on the Little Things
Hilton is a speedster. Once in open space, he’s hard to contain, but detailing other pieces of his game is what he’s focused on this offseason as he looks to make an impact for the Tigers.
“[I’ve accomplished] the little things in my route running and technique, I’ll always be fast, so working on stuff like that [has been important],” Hilton said.
It’s simple. When healthy, Hilton will be on the field for the Tigers whether it’s on offense or special teams. Through camp, he’s made an impact down the field on vertical plays, but he’s also been on the field for special teams drills.
“It’s receiver work and I’m doing drills with special teams as well,” Hilton said.
Connecting with Jayden Daniels
Despite Hilton getting limited in-game reps due to injuries, he’s seen his chemistry with LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels grow this offseason. It’s their second spring together, and with Hilton healthy, he’s making the most of his time on the field whether it be during or after practice.
“[Jayden and I] will be staying after practice, doing extra routes and you can see us coming alive,” Hilton said. “I’ve noticed more shot plays being called throughout practice so that might be a huge emphasis.”
The Tigers’ receiving corps has its fair share of talent with Malik Nabers, Kyren Lacy, Brian Thomas Jr. and Landon Ibieta, not to mention Aaron Anderson looking to take on a major role once healthy, but Hilton is emerging as a player who can make a change for this team.
