Hitner started the past two seasons as Wildcats' starting right tackle after serving as a backup guard. He posted a 5.16-second 40-time, vertical jump of 32.5 inches, and a broad jump of 115.5 inches at Villanova's pro day.
"I went into Villanova playing guard, not really knowing what to expect, because I played guard throughout high school," Hitner recently said via NJ.com. "Then they threw me out at tackle because of depth issues. I just stuck with tackle the rest of my career but I feel like guard is a good spot for me and I definitely feel like I'm versatile enough to play all three positions."
Hitner's pro day numbers are impressive considering his 6-foot-6 and 305-pound size and that he underwent meniscus surgery in the middle of last season, which forced him to miss three games.
"I think his best years are ahead of him," Villanova coach Mark Ferrante recently said. "I really just think he's scratching the surface."
NFL.com projected Hitner to be an undrafted free agent.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote the following about Hitner within his scouting report:
"Athletic, short-armed offensive lineman with the potential to offer roster flexibility at a number of positions. Hitner lacks power and struggles to find the length and hand strength to sustain his blocks, but he's ultra-athletic and has a chance at getting to the most challenging angles. He will likely bump inside to guard or center with a chance to compete for a zone-scheme heavy team."
Measurables
Height: 6-6
Weight: 305 lbs.
Arm length: 33 7/8 inches
Hand length: 10 1/4 inches
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