Lex Hilliard
Encyclopedia
Hilliard returned to the field as a fifth-year senior in 2007, appearing in 11 games for the Grizzlies. He rushed for 1,132 yards and 16 touchdowns on his way to second-team All-Big Sky honors. He topped the 100-yard rushing plateau seven times during the season.
During his five-year career at Montana, Hilliard racked up 4,106 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns on 5.0 average.
In early April, it was reported that Hilliard was scheduled to visit with the New York Giants
.
in the sixth round (204th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft
. On May 19, he signed a four-year contract with the Dolphins. Viewed as a fullback
/tailback
hybrid, Hilliard stated he had no preference on where he played.
In the 2008 preseason, Hilliard finished third on the team with 68 rushing yards on a 2.8-yard average. He also caught three passes for 24 yards. On August 30, the team waived Hilliard during final cuts. He was re-signed to the practice squad the following day.
After spending the entire 2008 season on the practice squad, Hilliard was re-signed on January 5, 2009. In week 11 of the 2009 season Hillard was given the backup running back role behind Ricky Williams due to the foot injury to Ronnie Brown.
During his five-year career at Montana, Hilliard racked up 4,106 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns on 5.0 average.
Statistics
| Career Statistics | ||||||||||||
| Rushing | Receiving | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | G | Att | Yds | TD | Lng | Avg. | Rec. | Yds | TD | Lng | Avg. | |
| 2003 | 12 | 125 | 590 | 5 | 38 | 4.7 | 9 | 117 | 0 | 21 | 13.0 | |
| 2004 | 14 | 190 | 972 | 17 | 61 | 5.1 | 22 | 211 | 0 | 39 | 9.6 | |
| 2005 | 12 | 249 | 1322 | 12 | 69 | 5.3 | 11 | 144 | 2 | 66 | 13.1 | |
| 2006 | Did Not Play | |||||||||||
| 2007 | 11 | 242 | 1132 | 16 | 54 | 4.7 | 15 | 119 | 0 | 24 | 7.9 | |
| Total | 49 | 806 | 4016 | 50 | 69 | 5.0 | 57 | 591 | 2 | 66 | 10.4 | |
Pre-draft
Following his collegiate career, Hilliard was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. At his Pro Day on March 19, he measured in at 5-foot-11¼ and 234 pounds. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.66 seconds, short shuttle in 4.03 seconds and cone drill in 6.93 seconds. He also had a 36½-inch vertical leap and a 10-foot, three-inch long jump.In early April, it was reported that Hilliard was scheduled to visit with the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
Miami Dolphins
Hilliard was drafted by the Miami DolphinsMiami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
in the sixth round (204th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft
2008 NFL Draft
The 2008 NFL Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 26 and April 27, 2008. For the 29th consecutive year, ESPN televised the draft; the NFL Network also broadcast the event, its third year doing so...
. On May 19, he signed a four-year contract with the Dolphins. Viewed as a fullback
Fullback (American football)
A fullback is a position in the offensive backfield in American and Canadian football, and is one of the two running back positions along with the halfback...
/tailback
Tailback
Tailback can mean:* Halfback * A line of motor vehicles caught up in traffic congestion; a traffic jam...
hybrid, Hilliard stated he had no preference on where he played.
In the 2008 preseason, Hilliard finished third on the team with 68 rushing yards on a 2.8-yard average. He also caught three passes for 24 yards. On August 30, the team waived Hilliard during final cuts. He was re-signed to the practice squad the following day.