Jordan Hill, DT

Hill has a non-stop motor and has set a sterling example for his teammates on the time and dedicated efforts required to maximize ability and potential. The senior is consistent and passionate in his quest to improve and help the Penn State defense remain among the nation's elite units. Hill's motor never stops, not in the weight room, at practice, during off-season conditioning or in games. The former Steelton-Highspire High School All-American has emerged as a leader for the defense and is a probable post-season honors candidate. He started every game last season and has 17 career starts, most among players on the defense. Although he turned in a superb 2011 campaign, Hill largely flew under the national radar playing alongside first-team All-American Devon Still. That will not be the case this season as Hill has the skills, athleticism and tenacity to be one of the Big Ten's top defensive players. Hill, who was named second-team preseason All-Big Ten by Phil Steele's College Football Preview, will anchor a talented and deep defensive line.

Hill brings good size, speed and a low center of gravity to the middle of the defensive line and is poised for a strong season. He has improved his strength and endurance, while trimming down nearly 20 pounds in the past 12 months to improve his quickness and agility. Last year, he led the D-line with 59 tackles, including 8.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks and was the recipient of the Jim O'Hora Award after spring practice. The tenacious Hill led the team and was tied for second in the Big Ten with three fumble recoveries, had one forced fumble and two pass breakups. He was instrumental in helping Steel High capture the 2007 and 2008 Pennsylvania state Class A championships, including an undefeated campaign as a senior. Hill, who is a recreation, park and tourism management major, was an intern at the Penn State Golf Courses during the summer. He is on schedule to graduate in May. Hill is among 20 Nittany Lion returnees from Central Pennsylvania.

A 2012 second-team All-American by Athlon Sports, Hill earned first-team All-Big Ten honors by the coaches, media panel, BTN.com and ESPN.com. Hill was fourth on the team with 64 tackles, second with 4.5 sacks (minus-32) and tied for third with 8.5 tackles for loss this season. The former Steelton-Highspire High School standout also had one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. A two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honoree this past season, his tackle total was No. 3 among Big Ten defensive linemen. In his final game, co-captain Hill made a career-high 12 tackles, with two sacks and 3.0 TFL in the Nittany Lions' 24-21 overtime win over Wisconsin to earn the conference's weekly defensive honor.

Hill started every game and led the defensive line with 59 tackles, including 8.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He earned honorable-mention All-Big Ten recognition. He led the team and was tied for second in the Big Ten with three fumble recoveries, forced one fumble and had two pass breakups. Hill collected five tackles, including half a sack, and registered his first career forced fumble and fumble recovery in the win over Indiana State. Against No. 2 Alabama, Hill made a then-career-best eight stops and 1.0 TFL and he registered five tackles and 0.5 TFL against Eastern Michigan. In the Big Ten-opening win at Indiana, Hill recorded four tackles, including a career-high 3.0 tackles for loss, with a sack against the Hoosiers. He made six tackles in helping the Nittany Lions hold Iowa to just three points and recorded six stops, including two sacks, in the win at Northwestern. Hill posted a career-high 10 tackles, with 1.0 TFL, in helping limit Illinois to just seven points in a thrilling Leaders Division victory. Hill recorded five tackles, one pass breakup and a fumble recovery to set up a touchdown drive against Nebraska. Hill played on 774 snaps, the ninth-highest total on the team, with a high of 70 plays in consecutive games against Northwestern, Illinois and Nebraska.

Playing in every game, with four starts, Hill recorded 36 tackles, with 2.0 tackles for loss, and half a sack. Hill had a big game against No. 1 Alabama, recording a career-high seven tackles. He made two tackles, including 0.5 TFL, against Kent State and Temple. Hill made his first career start at Minnesota, opening the game at defensive end, and recorded six stops. Hill made three tackles in the primetime win over Michigan and five tackles against Northwestern, including 0.5 TFL, starting both contests at end. Hill started at tackle against Indiana at FedEx Field and recorded three tackles, including a half-sack. He had two stops against Florida in the 2011 Outback Bowl. Hill saw action on 337 snaps, topped by 60 in the win at Minnesota.

Heading toward a possible redshirt season, it became clear that Hill needed to be on the field in his true freshman season. He made his Penn State debut against Eastern Illinois, the sixth game of the season, and made an immediate and positive impression, recording a season-high four tackles in the win over the Panthers. Playing in the final eight games, he made 12 tackles, and recorded a sack in the 35-10 win at Michigan. Hill made at least one tackle in seven of the eight contests he played in. He recorded two stops each against Ohio State and Indiana. He played on 99 snaps, led by 17 each against Eastern Illinois, Michigan and Indiana.

A MaxPreps small-school All-American, Hill was a four-year letterman for Coach Rob Deibler at Steelton-Highspire HS. The standout defensive lineman and fullback earned All-Mid-Penn Conference and all-district accolades from 2006-08. Hill was instrumental in helping Steelton-Highspire capture the 2007 and 2008 Pennsylvania Class A state championships, including an undefeated campaign as a senior. During his senior year, he tallied 143 tackles, four sacks and three interceptions en route to being named first-team all-state. Hill recorded 275 tackles, 19 sacks and five interceptions during his standout career. He also gained 648 yards with six career rushing touchdowns. The three-year captain was named the 2008 conference co-player-of-the-year and led his team to four District 3 titles and a trio of Mid-Penn Conference championships. He played in the 2009 Big 33 Classic. Hill also played basketball for four years and baseball for one season.

Full name is Jordan Thomas Hill. He is the son of Larry and Sue Hill. He has two younger sisters, Janelle and Joslyn. In his spare time, Hill enjoys playing video games. His major is recreation, parks and tourism management. Born February 8, 1991 in Harrisburg, Pa.