The Miami Hurricanes have a new demolition machine to add to their stable of sleek running backs. He's big -- from side to side. And he's merciless, according to former junior college teammate Kayne Farquharson.
''Once Patrick Hill gets a helmet on you,'' Farquharson said, ``you're going down.''
Hill is part of a new contingent of UM fullbacks, and he insists he'll be happy even if he never touches the ball.
''The whole definition of a fullback is you're a powerful, ruthless blocker, and that's one thing I pride myself on,'' said Hill, who packs 256 pounds on a 5-9 frame. He came to UM in the spring from El Camino Community College in California, where he was a teammate of wide receiver Farquharson two years ago.
''I told the coaches about Patrick,'' Farquharson said. ``Once he collides, it ain't going to be a pretty sight.''
When it was suggested to Farquharson that Hill resembled a bowling ball more than a battering ram, the receiver replied, laughing, ``Looks are deceiving.''
Hill, 19, grew up in Los Angeles and played high school ball as a tailback at Fairfax High, where he rushed for 2,056 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior.
In his first year at El Camino, he helped lead his team to the California state title as a blocking fullback -- but also scored seven times.
How does he compensate for his his lack of height and overabundance of girth?
''I don't play into that,'' Hill said. ``There are a lot of stereotypes that bigger guys can't do this, bigger guys aren't fast, they're not flexible, they're not mobile, they can't catch. Everybody here that's big is going to try to prove that's wrong. Shorter guys can do things, too.''
UM coach Randy Shannon said Hill will be part of a system that incorporates the fullback more this season. Joining him are 6-3, 254-pound John Calhoun of Micco, and Eric Houston, who switched from linebacker.
''It will add some toughness to the team,'' Shannon said. ``They like to get physical with guys. In the passing game it has helped us out getting the fullback in the flat. You know they catch the ball for three or four yards downfield and most of the time people don't like to cover those guys. So, you turn it up and get a 10-yard gain.
``Pat Hill is doing really, really well. He's blocking unbelievably. He's a very physical kid, has good hands . . . and good feet.''
The fullback hasn't exactly been a sexy position for the Hurricanes these past several years. Last year's fullback, Jerrell Mabry, had eight carries for 41 yards -- with his long gain going 17 yards.
'''I get more excitement from making the big block and watching the other guy score,'' Hill said. ``I have no problem with blocking day in and day out, play in and play out. That's the whole role of a fullback. If you don't like to block you shouldn't be playing.''
• Shannon seemed pleased Monday after UM's third practice. He said that despite four signees heading off to prep school and another five still out with NCAA Clearinghouse issues, he had a positive attitude. ''You know what I tell everybody? The only thing you can concern yourself with are the guys who show up. The guys that don't, we're going to still support them and try to get them through the process and in the long run they're still going to be part of Miami.'' . . . C.J. Holton, one of the five, visited practice in street clothes.
