Former Seahawk Leroy Hill Graduates From Clemson

Leroy Hill, former Seattle Seahawks’ linebacker, officially graduated from Clemson University on Friday with a degree in Management. Clemson head coach, Dabo Swinney, had this to say in the release above.

"“I write a letter each year around this time to each former player who has not  yet earned his degree,” said Swinney.  “I make sure they know exactly how much work they need and I talk to them about when they are going to finish.  I am very proud of Ricky Sapp and Leroy Hill today.”"

Sep 17, 2006; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker (56) Leroy Hill struts away after sacking Arizona Cardinals quarterback (13)

during 1st half play at Qwest Field. Seattle won 21-10. Credit: Photo By Scott Cohen-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2006 Scott Cohen

If you are a “12” since before it was officially called being a “12”, then you will recognize the name Leroy Hill. If not, here is an overview.

He was drafted in the third round of the 2005 draft, the same draft that yielded  Lofa Tatupu in the second round for the Seattle Seahawks. Also in 2005, Seattle brought in the NFL’s leading tackler from 2003-2004, Jamie Sharper, to be the team’s starting strong-side linebacker. However, Sharper would suffer a career-ending knee injury in the Seahawks’ week nine game against the Arizona Cardinals.

In steps Leroy Hill, alongside fellow rookie Tatupu, and the Seattle defense didn’t miss a beat. Hill finished his rookie season with 72 tackles, 7.5 sacks and two fumbles forced.

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He earned his spot in the starting lineup, and was a mainstay in the middle of the Seahawks’ defense alongside Tatupu until 2010, and stuck around for 2011 alonside David Hawthorne and then Bobby Wagner in 2012. Hill finished his seven-year career (all as a Seahawk) with 378 tackles, 20 sacks, eight fumbles forced, two fumbles recovered and one defensive touchdown.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Leroy Hill on his academic success, and thank him for seven great years of his life spent as a Seahawk.

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