Until this summer, Xavier Hill had always lived in the South.
Born in Mississippi, he played his first three years of college football at LSU before playing the last two years at Memphis.
This summer, however, the 6-foot-4, 320-pound sixth-year senior chose something new, transferring to Colorado for his final season of college football.
“Itap a lot different from where I’m from,” he said. “Just living in a new experience is always good. … I feel like different is good in life, especially at a young age.”
Hill was a 26-game starter at Memphis, earning first-team all-conference honors in 2024, but he sought a new challenge. At CU, Hill hopes to make a difference on a rebuilt offensive line.
“I just wanted to push myself a little more,” he said. “Being at a place where you know you’re going to start every year, I feel like you get a little complacent. I just felt like I needed to hit the portal to help myself, push myself a little harder.”
CU’s struggles on the offensive line over the past two years have been well documented. The Buffs have given up more sacks (99) than any other team in the country in the past two years, and they’ve ranked last in the country in rushing both years.
Star left tackle Jordan Seaton is back, as are three others who started several games last year, but the Buffs’ coaching staff brought in nine transfers to compete for starting roles. When CU opens the season against Georgia Tech on Aug. 29 (6 p.m., ESPN) at Folsom Field, there could be four newcomers on the starting line.
To this point, Hill has been as advertised and he’s been locked in as the starter at left guard throughout preseason camp.
“I feel like I’m just doing my job,” he said. “I don’t really try to think too hard about stuff like that because then I feel like I’m gonna get complacent or something. I just try to come out here every day and get better.”
Last year at Memphis, Hill played almost as many snaps at right tackle (464) as he did at left guard (490). In 2023, he played mostly at right tackle (491 snaps), but also played left tackle (246) and left guard (182).
“I didn’t know what position (CU coaches) wanted me to come in and play, but I think I can play anywhere,” he said. “Honestly I’m most comfortable wherever the coaches need me. Thatap always the type player I’ve been so it doesn’t matter what position. If they want me to play corner, I can go do that. It doesn’t matter.”
Hill certainly won’t be called upon to play cornerback, but he and Seaton could form a dominating duo on the left side of the line. Both have earned preseason All-Big 12 honors from various outlets and Hill said their connection is growing.
“Me and him are still learning how to play next to each other,” Hill said. “We’re both good players … but, itap learning each other. We’re getting closer and closer by the day and I feel like by the time the season starts, we’re gonna be just like this (tight). We’re gonna be putting people on their back.”
CU hasn’t released a depth chart or named any starters, but Zarian McGill (center), Zy Crisler (right guard) and Larry Johnson III (right tackle) have been routinely in the starting lineup with Hill and Seaton.
Crisler has missed the past week with injury, which has opened the door for Kareem Harden (seven starts at CU in 2024) to work at right guard. And, Northwestern transfer Cooper Lovelace has earned some reps at center with the first unit.
Regardless of who plays, the Buffs feel like they have more depth and experience than in the past.
“We probably have nine guys that can really start and contribute mightily that we don’t fear is going to get in there and mess it up,” CU head coach Deion Sanders said. “They’re good. … That group there is physical, they’re smart, they’re tough, they’re truly disciplined, and I’m truly proud of that group.”
Hill has been one of the leaders this month and said he’s eager to get his senior season underway.
“I’m looking forward to playing,” he said. “I wouldn’t say I’m looking forward to it to end, because college football has been fun. But, I’m excited to show out.”
