Michigan’s Lavert Hill slowed by undetermined injury

Ann Arbor — Michigan cornerback Lavert Hill has only practiced twice this spring because of an undetermined injury.

Mike Zordich, Michigan’s cornerbacks coach, said Thursday night that Hill, a starter last season, has an issue with his hips or groin.

“Trying to figure that out,” Zordich said. “He got two practices in. That’s been it. Like to have him out there for sure. But we’re not waiting for him, I’ll just say that. As I keep saying, Brandon Watson and Ambry (Thomas) have stepped up and they’re filling that spot very nicely.”

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Hill, who was an All-Big Ten second-team selection by the coaches last year, had two interceptions, seven pass breakups and 25 tackles, including five for loss. He missed considerable time last spring, as well, because of minor injuries.

Zordich said it’s unclear whether Hill’s injury is muscular in nature.

“Not sure,” he said. “You watch him run, he looks fine. On long plays he has some pain at the end of the play. Just trying to figure that out.”

Is it pain Hill could play through? Zordich, a 12-year NFL veteran, briefly hesitated.

“I think it is,” Zordich said. “But he’s gotta feel right.”

“You’ve got an opportunity to get better or even to find out what really is wrong, because you’re not going to find out by not participating. It’s frustrating for us as coaches, but at the same time, those other guys, you’re getting to see them blossom, which is really good for us. We’re creating depth.”

Cornerback Ben St-Juste also has been out this spring with a hamstring injury. He missed bowl preparations, as well.

“He has to find a way to get out there if he wants to compete for a job,” Zordich said.

angelique.chengelis@detroitnews.com

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