Freshman QB Ryan Hilinski impresses fans, media in early South Carolina spring game action
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Returning senior Jake Bentley will be South Carolina’s starting quarterback in 2019, but newcomer Ryan Hilinski showed the Gamecocks have a bright future at the position after Bentley departs.
A 4-star recruit out of Orange, California, Hilinski was rated the No. 2 pro-style quarterback in the 2019 recruiting class. While a few schools pitched staying close to home, Hilinski remained committed to South Carolina and enrolled in classes on Jan. 7, allowing him to take part in spring practice.
Hilinski had an impressive first drive in the spring game, completing all but one of his passes.
He drew rave reviews, showing the “it” factor and looking more experienced than your typical early enrollee:
On first series of his collegiate “career,” South Carolina 4-star freshman QB Ryan Hilinski completes 8-of-9 passes for 42 yards in Gamecocks spring game. Drive ends in missed FG (second of the game thus far).
— Josh Kendall (@JoshatTheState) April 6, 2019
@sportstalksc Ryan Hilinski moving the offense quickly down the field. Looks pretty polished for early enrollee.
— Rick F. Sanford (@RHillAA) April 6, 2019
Four-star QB Ryan Hilinksi’s first possession in #Gamecocks spring game
— 7 for 8, incompletion was corner route to Josh Vann
— ball placement near perfect
— released throws quickly, no hesitation
— passes got there quick— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) April 6, 2019
Ryan Hilinski enters the South Carolina spring game and completes his first 8 passes on the drive. The freshman definitely looks the part to me.
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) April 6, 2019
Gamecock nation I believe we got a good one in Ryan Hilinski. It’s early but the kid looks sharp for his first game action in Willy B
— Nick Jones (@Who_NJ3) April 6, 2019
Ryan Hilinski is the future of UofSC, probably the present too. Small sample size I know but there is something about him. He has IT
— Terrance Singleton (@TDSingleton_) April 6, 2019
Hilinski needs to be our game 1 starter.
— Ryan Frock (@RFrock12) April 6, 2019
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
