DALLAS – Georgia Tech's Deon Hill is the first weekly nominee for the 2014 Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award.
Hill, a 6-0, 194-pound redshirt senior A-back from Phenix City, Ala., reported severe stomach cramps during last season and was hospitalized. He was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and missed four games in 2013.
"My family was more worried than I was, because I know it's not life-threatening or anything like that," Hill has told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in the last few months. "So I just took it all in stride. I guess it's a blessing in disguise. I know God's got something for me, so it's all good."
Hill, who has been taking anti-inflammatory medication, was cleared to play this season after missing 2014 spring practice. Georgia Tech is 3-0 following a 42-38 victory over Georgia Southern last week in which Hill caught a 13-yard touchdown pass with 23 seconds remaining in the game to spur the Yellow Jackets to the victory. On the season, Hill has carried the ball 10 times for 61 yards and has two receptions for 24 yards.
The Courage Award was first presented by the FWAA in 2002. A select group of writers from the FWAA vote on the winner each year. The requirements for nomination include displaying courage on or off the field, including overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster or living through hardship. The winner of the award will be included in festivities during Orange Bowl week and receive his trophy at an on-field presentation.
*Ga Tech Sports Information
