As a junior, Michael Hill Jr Michael Hill Jr QB Merrillville | 2027 State IN . took his team to a state championship in 2025. Although Merrillville lost to New Palestine, the Pirates still have a strong returning core and Hill is a key piece to their puzzle. He is a proven dual threat with a strong arm, good velocity in the short/intermediate game, and the ability to get out of the pocket and be a threat with his legs. He finished No. 7 statewide in passing yards with 3,220 yards and added 682 rushing yards on the ground. Pirates can get over the hump and leave Lucas Oil with the trophy if Hill has a strong senior year.

Hill led the Merrillville offense Friday to an onslaught where he couldn’t be stopped. It started from their first drive, and they never let off the gas. Hill made some big throws and was accurate downfield. He trusts his arm and does a good job keeping his eyes downfield. He finished the night with 298 passing yards and 3 TDs, and added another TD with his legs and went well over 300 scrimmage yards.

Hill is coming off arguably a historic performance. He was unstoppable on Friday and just torched the defense drive after drive. He made some big throws with pressure in his face and then used his legs time and time again. He finished the night 27 of 37 for 345 yards and 4 TDs. He then added 241 yards and 2 more TDs on the ground. The junior quarterback is about as dual-threat as it gets, putting up 586 scrimmage yards and 6 TDs in 1 game.

Hill is an interesting prospect who had a better camp than maybe he realized. He can make some off-platform throws and drop the arm angle, but doesn’t do it to be flashy. He’s quick and isn’t easy to run down from behind. During the cadence segment, he wasn’t afraid to aggressively bark. Having a good cadence is a lost art of football and I liked seeing him put effort into it and understand its value. I think Hill has a chance to quietly make a big impact for Merrillville because he seems to be wired the right way.