Gus Edwards or Justice Hill: Who’s the Better Running Back?
Hello, readers! Welcome to our in-depth comparison of two standout running backs: Gus Edwards and Justice Hill. Both players have made significant contributions to their respective teams and offer unique strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we will delve into their careers, performances, and overall impact to determine who reigns supreme on the gridiron.
Early Years and College Careers
Gus Edwards
Early Years:
Growing up in Miami, Florida, Gus Edwards played football at Miami Central High School, showcasing his exceptional talent as a running back. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in his senior season, earning him recognition as one of the top prospects in the country.
College Career:
Edwards committed to the University of Miami, where he became a key player for the Hurricanes. In his sophomore season, he emerged as a star, rushing for 1,122 yards and seven touchdowns. Despite missing multiple games due to injury, Edwards left Miami as a highly touted running back prospect.
Justice Hill
Early Years:
Justice Hill is a native of Owasso, Oklahoma, where he played football for Owasso High School. Known for his speed and agility, Hill set school records in rushing and touchdowns. His exceptional performance earned him the title of Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year.
College Career:
Hill continued his football journey at Oklahoma State University. As a freshman, he made an immediate impact, rushing for 874 yards and six touchdowns. In his sophomore season, he emerged as one of the most explosive running backs in college football, recording 1,427 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.
NFL Careers
Gus Edwards
Baltimore Ravens:
Gus Edwards signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2018. Despite facing limited playing time initially, he quickly proved his worth as a tough and reliable runner. In 2020, Edwards emerged as a workhorse, leading the Ravens in rushing yards and earning Pro Bowl recognition.
Justice Hill
Baltimore Ravens:
Justice Hill was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He has primarily served as a backup to Gus Edwards but has shown flashes of his potential. Hill’s speed and versatility make him a valuable asset to the Ravens’ offense.
Offensive Style and Contributions
Gus Edwards
Physical Profile:
Gus Edwards stands at 6’1" and weighs 235 pounds, making him a powerful and physical runner. He possesses a low center of gravity and great balance, allowing him to navigate through tight spaces and shrug off tackles.
Offensive Style:
Edwards is known for his hard-nosed running style. He is a bruising runner who loves to plow ahead and gain yards after contact. His ability to carry the load and move the chains is invaluable to the Ravens’ offense.
Contributions:
Gus Edwards has been a consistent performer for the Ravens, providing a reliable and effective ground attack. In his four seasons with Baltimore, he has rushed for over 2,000 yards and 14 touchdowns. His presence on the field allows the Ravens to control the clock, keep defenses honest, and open up the passing game.
Justice Hill
Physical Profile:
Justice Hill is a more diminutive running back, standing at 5’10" and weighing 190 pounds. His smaller frame makes him agile and elusive, allowing him to change direction quickly and avoid tackles.
Offensive Style:
Hill is a shifty and elusive runner who relies on his speed and acceleration to create opportunities. He is adept at navigating holes in the defense and finding the open field. His quickness makes him a threat in the passing game as well.
Contributions:
Justice Hill has shown glimpses of his potential, but injuries and limited opportunities have hindered his development. When healthy, he has displayed his ability to contribute as a change-of-pace back and a reliable pass-catcher.
Statistical Comparison
To further delve into the performances of Gus Edwards and Justice Hill, let’s compare their key statistics:
| Category | Gus Edwards | Justice Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Career Rushing Yards | 2,144 | 575 |
| Career Rushing TDs | 14 | 4 |
| Career Receptions | 62 | 30 |
| Career Receiving Yards | 388 | 212 |
| Career Total TDs | 14 | 4 |
| Pro Bowls | 1 | 0 |
Injuries and Durability
Both Gus Edwards and Justice Hill have faced their fair share of injuries throughout their careers. Edwards has been more durable, missing only a handful of games due to a calf injury. However, he did miss the entire 2021 season with a torn ACL.
Hill, on the other hand, has been more injury-prone. He has dealt with multiple hamstring and shoulder injuries that have limited his playing time. His durability is a concern, as he has yet to play a full season in the NFL.
Value to Their Teams
Gus Edwards
Gus Edwards is an integral part of the Baltimore Ravens’ offense. His ability to run with power and consistency allows the team to control the tempo of the game and keep the defense off balance. Edwards is also a valuable blocker in pass protection, providing quarterback Lamar Jackson with extra time to make plays.
Justice Hill
Justice Hill is a versatile running back who offers a different dimension to the Ravens’ offense. His speed and elusiveness make him a threat in the open field, and his receiving ability allows him to contribute in the passing game. Hill has the potential to be a valuable change-of-pace back if he can stay healthy.
Conclusion
So, who is the better running back between Gus Edwards and Justice Hill? While both players bring unique strengths and weaknesses to the field, Gus Edwards emerges as the superior choice based on his overall performance, durability, and value to his team.
Edwards is a more complete running back who has proven his ability to carry the load and make a significant impact on the game. His hard-nosed running style, physicality, and consistency make him a key component of the Ravens’ offense. While Justice Hill has shown promise and offers a different skill set, his injury history and limited playing time prevent him from reaching the same level as Edwards.
If you’re looking for a reliable, durable, and effective running back, Gus Edwards is your guy. He is a true workhorse who will pound the rock and help his team win games. Justice Hill, on the other hand, is a talented player with potential, but his durability issues and limited opportunities make him a more uncertain choice.
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our other content on the latest NFL news, player comparisons, and more.
FAQ about Gus Edwards or Justice Hill
Who is Gus Edwards?
Gus Edwards is a former American football player who played running back for the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL.
Who is Justice Hill?
Justice Hill is a former American football player who played running back for the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL.
What is the difference between Gus Edwards and Justice Hill?
Edwards is older than Hill and has more experience in the NFL. Edwards is also a more physical runner, while Hill is a more shifty runner.
Who is better, Gus Edwards or Justice Hill?
It is difficult to say who is better, as both players have their own strengths and weaknesses. However, Edwards has been more productive in the NFL than Hill.
What team does Gus Edwards play for?
Edwards is currently a free agent.
What team does Justice Hill play for?
Hill is currently a free agent.
When was Gus Edwards born?
Edwards was born on June 5, 1995.
When was Justice Hill born?
Hill was born on August 31, 1997.
Where did Gus Edwards play college football?
Edwards played college football at Rutgers University.
Where did Justice Hill play college football?
Hill played college football at Oklahoma State University.
