Oklahoma State Football: Justice Hill receives freshman All-American honors

Oct 1, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Justice Hill (27) runs the ball for a touchdown as Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Wheeler (45) during the first quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Justice Hill (27) runs the ball for a touchdown as Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Wheeler (45) during the first quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oklahoma State true freshman running back Justice Hill was named to the USA Today freshman All-American after a breakout season.

The same week that Oklahoma State’s true freshman running back Justice Hill received honors for Big 12 Newcomer of the Year he got even bigger news. According to USA Today, Hill joins Ohio State Buckeyes freshman running back Mike Weber as the two rushers on the USA Today freshman All-American team.

Hill had a phenomenal regular season as the first Cowboy running back to rush for over 1,000 yards as a freshman. Moreover, he is the first Cowboy running back to get over 1,000 yards in general since Joseph Randle in 2012. He also tacked on five rushing touchdowns this season.

Other significant names on the freshman All-American team include Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts, Houston Cougars defensive lineman Ed Oliver, and Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence. Hill was the only player named to the team from the Big 12.

There is still a chance for Hill to get over 1,100 yards this season in the Alamo Bowl against the Colorado Buffaloes. Furthermore, Hill will get a chance to surpass Missouri Tigers running back Damarea Crockett for the FBS lead in rushing yards for a freshman. Crockett currently has 1,062 (only 20 more yards than Hill).

Senior running back Chris Carson formed a deadly duo with Hill this season. The two combined for more than 12 total touchdowns and 1,500 rushing yards. Both averaged more than 5.5 yards per carry as well. Yet, Carson will be gone after the bowl game and the starting job should be solely Hill’s for the taking in 2017.

Next: Brandon Averette named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week

If OK State quarterback Mason Rudolph returns to school for his senior year, then the Pokes could possibly have two dark horse Heisman candidates. The same could be said if wide receiver James Washington stays at OK State for another season. Rudolph, Hill, and Washington already form one of the deadliest offensive trios in the Big 12 if not all of college football.