1V1: Kasim Hill

Chad Ricardo: Mr. Kasim Hill! You’re obviously one of the top QB prospects in the nation; everyone knows that. As your start begins to shine even brighter, I look forward to the world getting to know how quality of a person you are as well. You’re a young man who carries himself with a level of class and dignity that is rarely seen from someone in your age demographic. Where does that come from?
Kasim Hill: The way my parents raised me. They taught me at a young age to be respectful and how to carry myself and they always expected that from me.

Chad Ricardo: And they’ve obviously done a phenomenal job. Let’s move over and see how this correlates to the football field. Your maturity, calm and poise are evident in watching you play this game. Do you believe your temperament helps you be a better QB?
Kasim Hill: I think as a football player but especially a QB, you cant get too high or too low. It’s all about the next play, not the play that just happened.

Chad Ricardo: THAT, my brother, is a mantra to hold on to for the rest of life. Trust me. You also have a ton of athleticism, did you ever consider and/or desire to play any other position?
Kasim Hill: Nope, I’ve wanted to play qb since a young age. I love how mentally and physically it challenges you.

Chad Ricardo: That’s what I was hoping you’d say. It takes a lot of work, a lot of hours, a lot of effort to grow into the student athlete you are. When you wake up in the morning, what motivates you keep going? What drives you towards greatness?
Kasim Hill: I’m naturally a perfectionist, so it drives me crazy if things are not just right or at least going in the direction of becoming right. But my mindset everyday is to better myself with the little things on and off the field. And thats really pushed me my whole life.

Chad Ricardo: For those of you reading–I told you he was a phenomenal young man! You’ve accomplished many goals already on the football field, including a tremendous season last year. To date, what has been your most memorable moment between the white lines?
Kasim Hill: My most memorable moments from my life, I have 3. The first would be scoring my first touchdown ever; I’ll never forget that. It was a 60 yard run when i was 6 years old. The second would be throwing my first high school TD vs Good Counsel and having my whole family there to see it.
Last, I would say winning the 100th game last year when I was at Gilman. My whole family was there and it was a great atmosphere when we won.

Chad Ricardo: You’ve accomplished so much thus far–and really, you’re still just getting started. At St.Johns’ this year, on paper, you all appear to have put together the type of team that could contend for a WCAC crown, as the quarterback of this squad, what are your expectations for the coming season?
Kasim Hill: My expectations are that we all compete everyday; in practice and in all games. And that we leave no regrets on the field.

Chad Ricardo: No “billboard material”, huh? I feel you. Great answer! I want to bring it back to this–as has been proven, you’re not merely a football player, you’re also a good dude. After you’ve long since hung up the cleats, when people look back on your life, what do you want them to say/know about Kasim Hill?
Kasim Hill: When they look back, I want people to say I was always there for them and I was always fun to be around. Also, that I was a great friend and teammate.

Chad Ricardo: Final question, then I’ll let you get back to your preparation. No one makes it as far as you have without having a strong support system. You mentioned your parents earlier. Who has had the greatest influence on you developing into the young man you are today and if they’re reading this right now, what do you have to say to them?
Kasim Hill: My parents and sister have had the biggest influence on me in my life. If they’re reading this, I just want to thank them for all they’ve done for me and helping shape me into the person I am today.

Chad Ricardo: Keep being an example, my brother. Don’t ever forget that. I wish you health, happiness, success and nothing less. Kasim Hill, thank you!