All-NAL Defensive Lineman Chei Hill Returns

JACKSONVILLE, FL- The Jacksonville Sharks have begun signing players for the upcoming 2023 National Arena League season under the new coaching staff led by head coach Jason Gibson. One of the first players selected to play for Sharks is defensive lineman Chei Hill who was a star defensive player for the Sharks last season. Playing defensive line, linebacker, and fullback for the team, Hill tied for 1st in sacks with linebacker Anthony Johnson with six each last season. Hill also scored five rushing touchdowns, the most of any Shark fullback last year. Chei Hill was one of two Sharks named to the Second Team All-NAL Defense alongside lineman Kwan Stallworth who was signed yesterday to the USFL’s Tampa Bay Bandits. 

As a team leader, Hill played in 13 games totaling 21 tackles, one block, and one pass breakup. Now under head coach Jason Gibson, Hill has been promoted to a specialist role as a defensive end, the same role that landed him All-NAL honors during the Sharks 2022 playoff run season. Prior to the Sharks, he had a stint in the Canadian Football League (CFL), a JUCO star football player, and three-time State Champion wrestler. In the CFL, Hill played one season for the Edmonton Eskimos where he spent his rookie season on the defensive line.

During his college career, his journey started at East Tennessee State before he transferred to Jones College (JUCO) in Evansville, Mississippi. Hill’s phenomenal career at Jones College landed him two-time NJCAA All-Region 23 honors, two-time All-MACJC performer, MACJC Defensive lineman of the year, and MACJC Most Valuable Player. The JUCO star was offered a full-scholarship to Central Oklahoma for the 2020 season but due the covid-cancellation, Hill opted out of the NCAA and signed a contract with the CFL.

Hill’s hometown is Homestead, FL but he resides in Florida City, FL. He attended South Dade High School where he played linebacker and defensive lineman. Hill dominated two sports at South Dade; he was a 3x State Champion wrestler with a 39-0 undefeated record. On the football field he recorded 16 sacks in four games his senior year and was awarded Third Team All-State honors. 

About the Jacksonville Sharks

The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the National Arena League (NAL). The 2019 & 2017 NAL Champions and ArenaBowl XXIV Champions play all their home games at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena. Sharks Nation Memberships for the 2023 season are now available. To become a Shark Nation member or for more information please call (904) 621-0700. Follow the Sharks on Facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter and Instagram @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at facebook.com/chumsharks.