Pair of South Jersey Running Backs Playing at Senior Bowl

Wildwood alum Wes Hills racked up some serious accomplishments in his only season at Slippery Rock University.

He was named second-team Division II All-American. MVP of NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.  Hills had 10 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown in the showcase for senior NFL Draft hopefuls. He also had a Slippery Rock single-season record in rushing yards with 1,714 yards in 11 games.

The 6-foot-2, 218-pound running back transferred to Slippery Rock from Delaware before the season.

"People forget, he was a good player at Delaware," said Emory Hunt, a college football writer from The Athletic as a guest of Sports Bash Saturday with Josh Hennig.

Now the 23-year-old Wildwood native is getting more attention at this week’s Reese’s Senior Bowl.

Bruce Feldman of The Athletic noted that Hills was turning heads all week long during the practice session, calling him the 'breakout star' of the week in Mobile.

During his senior year at Wildwood, the 2013 graduate, rushed for 2,104 yards and 35 touchdowns, leading the Warriors to a 6-4 record and a playoff berth.

"He has caught the football really well this week," added Hunt.

Also appearing at the game is former Millville running back Ryquell Armstead of Temple.  During his senior season, Armstead rushed for 1,098 yards and 13 touchdowns in 10 games played.

"He's had a solid week of work," Hunt said about Armstead.

During his time at Millville high, Armstead rushed for over 2,500 yards in his career,  including 1,488 yards and 18 TDs as a senior and holds the school single-game record with 337 rushing yards.

According to the website TheDraftNetwork.com, Kyle Crabbs, notes the 5-foot-11, 215-pound tailback also has excellent feet, does a good job of staying on balance, and he can run through defenders with his power. One area of concern for the former Thunder-Bolt, he isn't a productive in the passing game or in pass protection guy.

"I've always liked what I've seen from Armstead," Hunt said. "He made the most when he had his chances."

Overall Hunt said: "They both are looking real good, both tough physical runners"