SHALLOTTE — Jimmy Fletcher, Alfy Hill's former high school football coach at West Brunswick, says The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is getting a player with "unbelievable potential" if the defensive end keeps his focus on academics.

"The good Lord has blessed him with lots of ability," Fletcher said. "The biggest thing for him is finding a place to stay and working on a degree. I told him the other day that he's the most traveled high school player I've ever seen."

Fletcher has talked with Hill regularly since the 6-foot-5, 285-pound standout signed with Alabama out of high school in 2010, later moving on to East Carolina and two junior colleges in Mississippi and California.

Hill was supposed to be a member of South Carolina's 2013 signing class in February after committing last March, but according to sources, had a fall grade point average at Los Angeles Valley Junior College that didn't meet USC's transfer requirements. He is taking classes at Brunswick Community College this semester in hopes of arriving at UNCP later this year. Fletcher said Thursday that he hopes Pembroke is Hill's last stop.

"Alfy and I talked a lot about his situation and I know the guys real well at UNCP," Fletcher said. "All along, I never cared where he went. I just wanted him to get an education. I think UNCP is a good fit for Alfy if he puts school first."

If he qualifies at UNCP, Hill would be one of the Division II program's most sought after players since UNCP brought football back after a 50-year hiatus in 2007. At West Brunswick, Hill played multiple positions as a two-year starter but spent most of his snaps along the defensive line at end. The All-Waccamaw Conference defender led the Trojans in tackles-for-loss and sacks both seasons.

Fletcher sees Hill having an immediate impact on Shane Richardson's defense at UNCP.

"His best attribute is rushing the passer and (Nick) Saban thought defensive end was Alfy's best college position," Fletcher said. "When he signed with Alabama, they were going to stand him up and walk him to the line (of scrimmage) a little bit, but wanted him with his hand on the ground for the most part. He'll be a great pass rusher for the Braves."

Fletcher says Hill's up-and-down college career is a part of the maturation process for an athlete who has remained humble throughout a challenging ordeal.

"I just want him to get an education," Fletcher said. "The football thing will work itself out."