Hillis plans to take part in USD’s Pro Day

VERMILLION, S.D.— Hartington native Stephen Hillis is one of eight South Dakota football alumni who planned to display skills for NFL scouts and CFL representatives March 25 during Pro Day inside the Dakota Dome.

The group also includes Myles Harden, Brock Mogensen, Brendan Webb, Isaac Erbes, Jonathan Joanis, Micah Roane and Caden Pellizzer. All eight players were a part of South Dakota’s historic playoff last fall.

Hillis, a linebacker on the USD squad, was a team captain and an honorable mention all-MVFC honoree. He started every game at linebacker except the regular season finale at Western Illinois.

He was third on the team and 20th in the MVFC in tackles with 71 (30 solo). He also had a sack and 2.5 tackles-for-loss. He was also credited with three pass breakups and three quarterback hurries.

Hillis led the team with 10 tackles in a 34-31 win against No. 23 Youngstown State in October and followed that up with a season-high 13 tackles in a road win at Indiana State Oct. 21.

He finishes his USD career with 234 career tackles.

The competitions to take place at the Pro Day included the bench press, vertical and broad jumps, 40-yard dash, three-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle and individual position drills.

All athletes at Pro Day will be showcased their abilities in preparation for the NFL Draft, set for April 25-27 in Detroit, Mich.