Brian Hill: ‘The Falcons just got the best running back in this draft’

Wyoming running back Brian Hill stiff arms UNLV linebacker Matt Lea during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, in Laramie, Wyo. (AP Photo/Michael Smith)

Wyoming running back Brian Hill stiff arms UNLV linebacker Matt Lea during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, in Laramie, Wyo. (AP Photo/Michael Smith)

Former Wyoming running back Brian Hill was not expecting the Atlanta Falcons to select him with the 156th overall pick in the fifth round of the NFL draft Saturday.

“This is a dream come true,” an excited Hill said via phone call. “I didn’t expect the Falcons. No one in the house was expecting the Falcons, but a lot of teams passed on me in this draft. The Falcons just got the best running back in this draft in the fifth round.”

Hill, who rushed for more than 4,000 yards in college, was aware that the Falcons have running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman.

“We know they had two good running backs and didn’t think they were shopping for a running back, but I’m grateful that they were,” Hill said.

He spoke to the Falcons after selection was made.

“They told me that I had a great workout with (running backs) coach (Keith) Carter when he came to Wyoming,” Hill said. “They love the way I play. I just represent what they want in a running back.”

Hill believes he can fit the Falcons’ outside zone rushing attack.

“We ran everything from outside zone to inside zone to power,” Hill said. “We ran gap schemes and zones. Any way we would run the ball, we did it at Wyoming.”

Hill is more of a power running back than Freeman and Coleman.

“My style is violent,” Hill said. “I run the ball with a passion. I run the ball with a will not to go down.”

Hill thinks he’s going to fit in the team’s running-back room just nicely.

“I’m going to learn everything that I can from them,” Hill said. “I know they are veterans and have been in the league and they know how to produce in the league. I’m going to go in and soak everything up.”