AUBURN, Ala. – If Ike Hilliard has any concerns about transitioning to college football to coach Auburn's receivers after playing and coaching in the NFL the past quarter century, you'd never know it by listening to him.
"I'm going to be the best thing that ever happened to them," Hilliard said of his receivers group. "I've been there, I've done that. I understand what it takes. I just have to continue to learn and grow in regard to what Coach Harsin wants in his offense and how he wants it done, and I can teach the rest within the system. They'll be in great hands."
An All-American and national champion at Florida, Hilliard played 12 seasons in the NFL before coaching in the league for the past 11 seasons.
"Fortunate to play on some really good teams," he said. "Been around some great coaches. I think I have an idea of what the SEC is about. I think we're going to be just fine, whether it's on the recruiting trail or developing the young men who are here.
"There's an in-helmet perspective I can give. The younger generation tends to gravitate a lot more toward men who have done it, unless they've been uniquely successful before they get to them. Capturing their attention and getting them to focus on the details."
Hilliard coached All-Pro receiver Diontae Johnson at Pittsburgh last season, but when the Steelers' new offensive coordinator brought in a different receivers coach, Hilliard says he aggressively pursued the opportunity to coach on Bryan Harsin's Auburn staff.
"It's attractive because he's won everywhere he's been," Hilliard said. "He's won consistently, he's won big. There's a track record of success.
"At Boise, they have young men who are in the NFL so that tells you they have scheme, they've had talent, they've won. Those kids have graduated. Enhancing his vision and helping him see his vision through is something that was important to me.
"Teaching them how to work, how to manage your time, how to prepare, I think is probably what stood out for Coach (Harsin). I have a football acumen from being a player as well. I felt like I would be a unique asset here.
"Being around younger players and helping them grow and mature as young men on and off the field is something that also attracted Coach in regards to me having this opportunity."
Shedrick Jackson returns for a fifth season to lead the inexperienced receiving corps Hilliard will develop.
"We have a very young group," Hilliard said. "We only have one senior in Shed. There are some young guys who are going to have more than their share of opportunity to prove themselves. Let's move forward in a positive manner.
"There's only one way to go and that's up. There's a narrative that we have to erase. We have to develop the young men who are here and also acquiring talent to change that narrative is going to be huge.
"I'm going to work my tail off to help this room mature in every aspect of their lives and their game. I'm committed to the cause. I'm appreciative to be back in the SEC. There's nothing like SEC football.
"They should look forward to progress and a better product going forward. I have to put a stamp on that and do everything in my power to make sure that translates on the field on Saturdays."
Hilliard expects his SEC and NFL pedigrees to translate to recruiting success.
"You're not going to have unique results without unique relationships," Hilliard said. "You have to build those with parents and players. Effort and communication are key because recruiting is the lifeblood of your program.
"We're going to work to develop what we have here but we're always going to be aggressive and doing our best to get players, and I'm looking forward to the challenge. It's something I fully expect to excel at."
Ike Hilliard sought the position as Auburn's receivers coach. Monday's spring practice opener represents his first chance to help the Tigers begin to earn a measure of the success he enjoyed.
"Auburn is a staple in the SEC," Hilliard said. "An opportunity to help where I think I can help the most. We're going to have young men who are prepared, ready to play, they're going to catch the ball. We're going to be a big part of the success that's going to happen here going forward."'I've been there': Auburn receivers coach Ike Hillard played 12 NFL seasons
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer
