LOOK: Key Michigan defensive back officially in Miami
Jim Harbaugh has fielded plenty of questions this week about Daxton Hill’s availability in the Orange Bowl. Well, we got some clarity prior to kickoff.
Hill is at Hard Rock Stadium, according to a photo from The Detroit News’ Angelique Chengelis. That’s big news for the Wolverines defense, which is already dangerous with Aidan Hutchinson and David Njabo outside.
Hill’s potential absence was a surprise to the Michigan faithful. He played in the Big Ten Championship earlier this month against Iowa but didn’t make the initial trip to Florida for the Orange Bowl. The only thing Harbaugh said about him was that he’s “working through something.”
Even Thursday, Harbaugh didn’t say much about Hill’s status. On ESPN, he said the junior defensive back could be a “game-time decision” in an interview with Marty Smith.
Hill has 65 tackles and two interceptions to his name this season. In Michigan’s season-defining victory over Ohio State last month, he had seven tackles to help the Wolverines to a 42-27 win over the Buckeyes.
It won’t be easy for Michigan on Friday night, though. Georgia has one of the best defenses in college football, and it’ll make the job that much harder for the Wolverines’ offense. But getting Hill back would give the defense another important weapon to help offset that a bit.
Jim Harbaugh addresses availability of Dax Hill for Orange Bowl
Ahead of a Friday night Orange Bowl game against Georgia, the speculation continues around the status of Michigan safety Daxton “Dax” Hill.
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh briefly addressed the topic during a press conference on Thursday morning.
“His status is questionable,” Harbaugh told the media. “He’s working through something right now. We’ll know more today.”
On Tuesday, it was reported that Michigan was without a defensive starter due to COVID-19. The Detroit News reported Hill did not head to South Florida with the rest of the Michigan team on Christmas Day, and Harbaugh confirmed on Thursday that he is not currently in Florida.