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In an exclusive interview with BlackandGold.com, University of Illinois wide receivers’ coach Mike Bellamy provides little known facts and startling statistics on Steve Hull’s performance while playing for the Fighting Illini.

B&G.com: Coach Bellamy, we appreciate your taking the time to speak with us, especially during this very busy recruiting season.

Coach Bellamy: It’s my pleasure; glad to take the time.

B&G.com: Coach, the Univ. of Illinois is your alma mater, and you also played in the NFL. Your Pro experience makes you uniquely qualified as a coach, and in giving us your thoughts on Steve Hull. Please give us some of your personal background, if you don’t mind.

Coach Bellamy: I was taken by the Eagles (as a wide receiver), in the second round in the 1990 NFL draft. I also played for the Colts, Bears and Raiders. I ended my career in the World Football League in ‘96/’97. From Wikipedia: “Bellamy finished his career playing in back to back World Bowl Championships, winning in 1996. In 1996, Bellamy also led the World League in touchdown receptions, along with teammates Mario Bailey and Bobby Olive.”

B&G.com: Coach, do you have any direct or distant ties to the Saints or anyone on the staff?

Coach Bellamy: Yes. Greg McMahon (Saints’ special teams coach) became the Illini wide receivers coach the year after I was drafted. By the time I returned (as a coach at Illinois), he had already departed. But since I’ve been here, Coach McMahon has visited as a guest speaker for the Illinois High School Coaches Association.

B&G.com: Why do you believe the Saints sought to get Steve Hull?

Coach Bellamy: His potential is outstanding! I think highly of his ability, and his performance bears this out. He fills a lot of needs on a team’s roster. He is competitive, and because of his having played the Safety position, he knows the defensive and offensive schemes better than the average receiver. He’s also a football junkie. He will watch and review videos for hours, seeking ways to improve his game. It is not unusual for the coaches to come in the mornings and find Steve Hull already in the video room.

B&G.com: So you see him as a special player?

Coach Bellamy: Let’s put it in perspective. It took a lot of convincing on my part (to our other coaches) that Steve would be able to play like a beast, and that we should give him more touches. They finally allowed us to zero in on him in the latter part of the season, and the rest is history. There are a lot of talented players that were picked in the 2014 draft. But if you look at the players who got it done when everybody is going for a bowl bid and finishing strong in the home stretch (i.e.: the final 4 games of the season), Steve Hull’s numbers were the BEST in the country (receptions and receiving yards: 40/653 yds).

Nov 9th @ Indiana: 9 rec/224 yds/2 tds
Nov 16th Ohio State: 8 rec/105 yds/1 td
Nov 23rd @ Purdue: 10 rec/169 yds/2 tds
Nov 30th Northwestern: 13 rec/155 yds/1 td (Note: Northwestern’s pass defense ranked #6 in nation)

B&G.com: Is Steve Hull likely to get involved in community outreach? If so, what?

Coach Bellamy: He’s very involved in his church, and in outreach activities with youth. He often serves as a guide for youth who visit the university campus (in Champaign, IL). He gives solid participation anytime his help is needed. I’m sure he’ll get involved in many opportunities in New Orleans.

B&G.com: What things to you believe separates Steve Hull from others whose performance tails off in later years?

Coach Bellamy: He is a realist, and knows that the challenges lie ahead. When I congratulated him on his selection (as a UDFA), he said: “Coach, we’re not done yet. I have a lot to prove.” Many players have a lot of talent and abilities; Steve Hull works hard, and does the little things that help you get to the top, or helps your team keep its edge over the competition. Steve Hull not only does what it takes to GET there, he continues to do what it takes to STAY there.


B&G.com: What type of player is Steve Hull on the sidelines, locker room and in the game?

Coach Bellamy: He is a motivator. No matter what the game situation, he continues to monitor the flow of the game, and works to do what it takes to get the team victory. Some people say that it’s hard to pull for someone when they come across good fortune. However, Steve Hull is the type of guy that once you get to know him, you’ll always pull for him to excel and succeed. I’m happy to pull for him.

B&G.com: Does Steve Hull have an adult, sibling or parent that served as a special mentor for him?

Coach Bellamy: His mom & dad and brother have been and continue to be very supportive of Steve. On his Pro Day, they were all there, curious to see how well he’d do. The remain an encouraging influence in his life to this day.

B&G.com: Where do you expect to see Steve Hull this season (practice squad; final 53)?

Coach Bellamy: Steve will come into the Saints’ camp and give 100%. He also has experience on special teams, and was solid in that capacity. As I mentioned before, he is a converted defensive back (Safety). He came to Illinois as a receiver, and converted to safety because of the shortage (and our team needs). How well did he perform? Well, while Steve was our starting safety, the Illini ranked #10 in the nation, and he was the play caller. He obviously converted back to wide receiver last season. But because of his versatility, he would serve the Saints well. I believe he has a legitimate shot at the final 53.

B&G.com: Coach Bellamy, we again thank you for your time and unique perspective on Steve Hull. On behalf of the WhoDat Nation and Saints’ fans everywhere, we appreciate all you’ve passed on to us. Here’s to a great season for the Fighting Illini.

Coach Bellamy: You’re welcome. All the best to the Saints this season.

papz

That's pretty impressive against stiff competition and considering the fact he moved over from the defensive side of the ball. It's typically the other way around.

exile

Good story but he is a long shot. Unless he proves special teams is his gig.

Jack Vegas

I have people up in Peoria (Illini territory) and they all love the guy. Pretty impressive to be a starting safety for two years, switch to WR for your last year and put up numbers like that.

Who knows if he can't get on the field at WR, maybe we switch him back to D, maybe he's a special teamer.

dizzle88

SP loves versatility, this guy sounds like the second coming of troy brown

Seer1

So how did Hull do against Jean-Baptiste in the Illini-Husker game last fall?

SmashMouth

Might be a "Hull" of a pick up!

Stealthman

No catches for Hull in that game. As Coach Bellamy said in the article, he had to do a lot of persuading to get others to see that Hull was a gamer. Too bad they didn't realize that until the latter part of the 2013 season.

But to answer your question, Nebraska shut the Illini down in that game with <200 yds passing.

Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers - Box Score - October 05, 2013 - ESPN

Rugby Saint II

This is a Sean Payton type of player. He sounds like a good prospect for the developmental squad. We'll know more when we get these guys to TC.

Danno

Illinois long shots never succeed in the NFL.

Sincerely,
Pierre Thomas
Glenn Foster