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Buffalo gets third prospect from Pittsburgh

Gillberg
Buffalo gets third prospect from Pittsburgh

The University at Buffalo football program made big strides in recruiting Pittsburgh in the 2025 class, and in doing so, they secured their third area commitment of the cycle.

George Hill, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker from Woodland Hills, announced Monday via X that he is “100 percent committed” to Buffalo. He chose the Bulls over offers from UConn, Temple, Eastern Michigan, Bowling Green, Akron, Robert Morris and others.

Hill not only becomes the third Western Pa. prospect to commit to Buffalo, but they all happen to be on the defensive side of the ball with University Prep linebacker Xair Stevenson and Elizabeth forward defensive lineman Christopher Climes.

“It means a lot,” Hill said of joining Climes and Stevenson. “The one thing that all three of us have is that we pride ourselves on our defense and our city. I want to show people that there’s a lot more talent in the state of Pennsylvania. Everybody thinks about Florida, everybody thinks about Georgia, everybody thinks about Texas. We’re overrated. If three kids from the state of Pennsylvania can go to Buffalo and change their program, what does that mean?”

While Hill is close with Stevenson from playing against him over the years, he had the opportunity to learn more about Climes during their official visit to Buffalo together from June 14-16.

“I watched his film and saw the kind of person he was when I went to Buffalo for his official visit. He’s a cool guy. We’re going to be able to bond more when we’re on the same team,” Hill said.

One common theme among all three athletes is their relationship with defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Joe Bowen.

“When I talk to Coach Bowen, it’s like talking to an older brother or an older uncle. He talks to me like I’m one of his closest friends. We talk about different things in life. On vacations, we’d text each other and he’d let us know that family was important. He understands that football is going to end one day, but he’s going to make you the best athlete you can be while you’re still playing and help you become a great man,” Hill said.

The connection with the coaching staff was at the top of Hill’s list of reasons for choosing the Bulls.

“As a child who leaves home and has to be on their own, you want to be surrounded by people who will support you and have your back.

“When I first came to Buffalo, from the day I visited my wife, I felt nothing but love in Buffalo. People love you for who you are, not for what they want you to be,” Hill said.

Although Hill took additional official visits to Eastern Michigan and UConn, he found that Buffalo had everything he needed to thrive as a student-athlete.

“As far as facilities and education, Buffalo has got it. I’m ready when I go to Buffalo. Buffalo is in the top 78th in the country in terms of education,” Hill said.

Buffalo’s competition in the Mid-American Conference and the opportunity to play non-conference games against Power 4 opponents like Wisconsin and Maryland also attracted Hill to the Bulls.

“Even the ball they play, the MAC schools play well. I’m trying to be that kid that goes against one of those teams and has a great game. I’m trying to get into the league from Buffalo,” he said.

Hill is expected to play inside linebacker for Buffalo and looks to leave a lasting impression on the program.

“My favorite linebacker is Roquan Smith. I base my game off of him. I’m a heat-seeking missile from sideline to sideline. I see a hole, I try to fight my way through it,” Hill said. “I see myself coming in as a freshman and learning from the guys that were there before me, growing up and becoming a vocal captain by my junior or senior year.”

For now, Hill is preparing for his senior season with a loaded Woodland Hills team.

“I’ve lost weight and I’m moving better than ever. Right now, I’m worried about being a vocal leader for my team and I want these guys to know that I’m as dedicated to it as they are,” he said.

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