2 RBs Land On Top 25 I-AA List

Lex Hilliard came in at #6 on the list, perhaps a bit too low, but impressive nonetheless.

6. Lex Hilliard, Montana (Sr., 6-0, 225) - With a passing game that made Montana fans relish the days of Dave Dickenson or even Craig Ochs, Lex Hilliard had to carry the bulk of the Montana offense on his shoulders. Fortunately for the Grizzlies, Hilliard was up the challenge and Montana again won a piece of the Big Sky and advanced to the postseason. Hilliard notched 1,322 yards with 12 touchdowns on 5.3 yards per carry, and mixed in some big games when Montana needed a win. He notched 159 yards and a score against Weber State and 142 yards and a touchdown versus Idaho State. While those efforts were nice, Hilliard�s 34-carry, 237-yard performance against Cal Poly helped vault the Grizzlies into the postseason. Hilliard scored twice in the playoff loss to the Mustangs, and already has nine playoff touchdowns in five games. Hilliard had 972 yards and 17 touchdowns while splitting carries with Justin Green in 2004. This year, Hilliard should get more help from the passing game led by Josh Swogger. With fewer people in the box, Hilliard has a great chance for a memorable final season for himself and the team.

Good assesment, and a solid passing game can only help Hilliard who tends to be a little injury prone (migraines). But he might also be splitting time with two I-A transfers, Coleman and Bradshaw. Either way, the Griz backfield looks to be a very dangerous one.

The other player on the list was UNC's Andre Wilson, who landed at #23.

23. Andre Wilson, Northern Colorado (Jr., 6-1, 190) - When healthy, Wilson was a handful with six 100-yard days to start the season in 2005. He notched a 202- yard game against Southern Utah, and went for 155 against the tough Cal Poly defense. Wilson had 1,034 yards with six touchdowns for the season after notching 990 yards in 2004.

The Bears will need big numbers from Wilson. I believe he is capable of having a big year for UNC.