April 24, 2005

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Former Samford wide receiver Efrem Hill signed as a free agent with the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League on Sunday.

Hill, who left Samford as the school's all-time leading receiver, will report to the Panthers' Rookie Camp on Friday.

"It's a great opportunity for me," Hill said. "I'm just happy to have this chance. I know I am going to have to work hard to make the team, but I'm just excited to have the opportunity to do something not a lot of people get to do."

Hill holds Samford career records in receiving yards (3,054), touchdown catches (31) and receptions (214). In 2003, Hill was a consensus first-team All-American, OVC Offensive Player of the Year and Male Athlete of the Year, and he was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award.

Hill was named first-team All-OVC as a senior in 2004. For the year, he caught 71 passes for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns. He led the OVC in receptions per game (6.45 rpg.) and receiving yards per game (89.5 ypg.).

Hill is the second member of the 2004 Samford senior class to sign with a professional football team. Quarterback Ray Nelson is currently playing with the Birmingham Steeldogs of arenafootball2.