Justice Hill is a lesser-known star in the Baltimore Ravens backfield, and he’s used to playing second fiddle to Lamar Jackson these days. But during his college years, Hill was the star on Saturdays in Stillwater.
Justice Hill’s historic college career began early
Hill had an impressive career at Oklahoma State, establishing himself as one of the best running backs in the Big 12 during his time with the Cowboys. A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hill joined Oklahoma State as a three-star recruit in 2016. He quickly made an impression, securing a starting position as a freshman.
His combination of speed, vision and versatility as a runner and pass catcher helped him become a central figure in Oklahoma State’s powerful offense during his three seasons in Stillwater.
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Hill made his mark as a true freshman in 2016, earning Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors. He rushed for 1,142 yards on 206 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, and scored six touchdowns.
With his 1,142 rushing yards, he set a school record for a freshman and was the first Oklahoma State freshman to rush for over 1,000 yards since 1980.
Hill’s breakout performance this season gave Oklahoma State a consistent ground attack to complement their strong passing game. His standout moments included 135 yards and a touchdown against Texas and 162 yards and a touchdown in a win over Kansas State, cementing his role as a key player on offense.
The next season, Hill’s sophomore year in 2017, further cemented Hill’s reputation as one of the best running backs in the country, rushing for 1,467 yards on 268 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, and scoring 15 touchdowns.
That performance earned him First-Team All-Big 12 honors and established him as one of the best runners in the country. Hill’s ability to break up long runs combined with his consistency between the tackles made him a dangerous weapon. He had six games with over 120 rushing yards, including a season-high 228 yards and two touchdowns against Oklahoma, proving his ability to compete on the biggest stages.
His 1,467 rushing yards ranked second in the Big 12 and helped Oklahoma State to a 10-3 victory in the Camping World Bowl.
In his junior season in 2018, Hill continued to be a productive player despite injuries limiting his playing time. He still managed to rush for 930 yards on 158 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per carry, and scored nine touchdowns in just 10 games. Hill’s speed and agility remained evident, as he continued to be a game-changer when healthy.
Notably, Hill surpassed 3,000 career rushing yards in his junior year, cementing his place among Oklahoma State’s all-time best running backs.
After his junior season, Hill declared for the 2019 NFL Draft and forwent his senior year. He left Oklahoma State with 3,539 rushing yards, which put him fifth on the school’s all-time rushing list. His 30 career rushing touchdowns also made him one of the leading scorers in Oklahoma State history.
Throughout his career, Hill has demonstrated his abilities as both a workhorse and a home run hitter, consistently making big plays and providing stability in the Cowboys’ backfield.
Hill’s time at Oklahoma State was marked by his explosive speed, reliable hands and ability to take control of the game, making him one of the most dynamic running backs in the Big 12. His contributions to the Cowboys’ offense were invaluable and he became a beloved figure among Oklahoma State fans.
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Hill’s college career paved the way for his selection in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, where his versatility and athleticism continued to serve him well at the professional level.
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