If the saying goes, "Real recognize real," then it's obvious that Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Tyreek Hill has impressed his teammates thus far.
One of those teammates in particular is second-year cornerback Marcus Peters, who spoke highly of the speedy playmaker after Wednesday's training camp practice.
"He's fast as hell," Peters laughed. "It's fun. That's the competition we need. That's what we'll need from him all through the season."
Hill, who was selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft last spring out of West Alabama, was a standout during OTAs and minicamp, showing off his ridiculous speed and quickness.
But as Hill said at the time, "It doesn't mean anything because it's not pads."
Now that we're a few days into padded practices at training camp, Hill has continued to make plays and he still isn't satisfied.
"To me it still doesn't mean anything," Hill explained on Wednesday. "I'm just like everybody else. I've got to get better each and every day. That's my biggest thing, just staying focused, staying in the playbook and listening to the veterans and doing whatever the coaches are telling me to do."
Much like Hill has been this year, Peters was the young playmaker who from the very first day he stepped on the field last year, displayed an ability to make plays.
For Peters, the ability he was showing during offseason workouts translated once the regular season began. In fact, it didn't take long for Peters to thrive considering he made a diving catch for an interception on the first snap of his career in the Week 1 victory over the Houston Texans.
He went on to become the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year after nabbing 8 interceptions on the season, which was the most of any cornerback in the league and tied for the best mark overall.
When Peters was asked about how he's planning on following up such an impressive season, he used the same phrase he did a year ago when asked a similar question.
"Don't talk about it. Be about it," he said.
Even throughout his amazing rookie year, Peters consistently said that he'll never feel like he's earned his respect until his career is over. That's his humility manifesting itself to his teammates and to those he competes against on Sundays in the fall, and he had a message for the next young playmaker on how to do the same.
"Stay hungry," Peters said was his message to Hill. "When the lights turn on, you get to have a lot more fun. [Hill] is a real energetic person. He likes to dance and do all those things. So, just telling him to stay hungry and his time will come."
On Tuesday, the time came for Hill to use his blazing speed to try and beat Peters down the field on a vertical route, which he did. Alex Smith perfectly placed the ball into the outstretched arms of Hill, who hauled it in for a long touchdown.
It was the highlight of the day and drew audible applause from all of the fans in attendance.
When reporters asked him about the play on Wednesday, Hill downplayed the meaning of it.
"I've always been told, 'Act like you've been there before,'" he said.
Peters, who wasn't going to be happy about being beat on that play, still likes what he's seeing from the young playmaker.
"I told him, 'Man, we're going to need you to do that during the season, so just keep practicing,'" Peters added. "He's doing a real wonderful job just coming in every day and working."
Through a week of practice, Hill has lined up everywhere for the Chiefs offense, including some work in the backfield. Hill is working to become another weapon in the packaged-play offense that Andy Reid often uses.
It's built around putting pressure on specific areas of a defense, and the speed and quickness Hill possesses could certainly add something to the mix.
With already having to learn a verbose playbook that puts a lot on the receivers to know every position, the fact that Hill is moving around so much means there's even more on his plate.
"He seems to be handling things well," Reid explained of Hill. "Every day we get a little bit more. He's a sharp kid."
Hill doesn't have to go far when he needs help from his teammates in learning the intricacies of this offense.
"Guys like Jeremy Maclin, Albert Wilson—really all of the veterans are doing a great job helping out all of the rookies," Hill added. "Whether it's the depth on the route, or whatever. All of those guys do a great job with all of that stuff and it makes me feel comfortable.
"I can't do anything but go out there and perform well."
When it comes to offensive guys helping the defensive guys and vice versa, Reid preaches the fact that he wants these guys talking to one another after practice and sharing what they're seeing from each other on the field.
"They're great with that," Reid explained. "They share stuff, and we ask them to do that. That's the way these guys are wired."
If Hill is running a route and is giving something away, one of his teammates is going to let him know not to do that, even though they're competing to win a particular drill.
It's all for the good of the team.
"We talk a lot," Hill explained. "As far as the rookies, me, KeiVarae (Russell) and D.J. (White), we go in the locker room. We'll communicate on, say for instance, I had a hitch, and he'll hit me like, 'Hey bro, what was that route?'
"I'll tell him that, 'Hey, it was a hitch, stutter and I threw a little something in there.'"
A look into day five of training camp at Mosaic Life Care Field.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kashif Moore (89) smiles as he walks down to practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks walk down to practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs players stretch prior to practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Knile Davis (34) at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dadi Nicholas (52) does a drill at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Terrance Smith (62) runs a drill at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Josh Mauga (90) runs a drill at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive linemen run drills at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Nick Williams (98) hits a bag at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back KeiVarae Russel (26) at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs fans watch practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Akeem Davis (43) catches a ball at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt (2) at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs fans at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Chris Conley (17) at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Demetrius Harris (84) makes a catch at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dadi Nicholas (52) rushes at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) runs with the ball at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West (35) takes a hand off at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Darrin Reaves (24) runs with the ball at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs players watch from the sideline at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Darrin Reaves (24) carries the ball at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Zach Sterup (74) blocks linebacker Dee Ford (55) at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (14) at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs players practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Ross Travis (88) makes a catch at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs players practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs special teams player James Winchester (41) at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Tyler Bray (9) at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs players practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (14) is defended by defensive back Steven Nelson (20) at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West (35) runs with the ball at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Akeem Davis (43) at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Mitch Morse (61) blocks linebacker Terrance Smith (62) at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs general manager John Dorsey smiles as he talks with quarterback Alex Smith (11) at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Marcus Peters (22) makes an interception at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Jaye Howard (96) rushes during practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Steven Nelson (20) breaks up a pass intended for tight end James O'Shaughnessy (80) at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Da'Ron Brown (4) catches a pass at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs players practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos (5) kicks a field goal at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs players celebrate at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt (2) and special teams player James Winchester (41) celebrate at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones (95) rushes at practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs fans watch practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive linemen pose for a picture after practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs players after practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs fan hands out gatorade after practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker D.J. Alexander (57) walks with a young fan up the hill after practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Stevie Brown (27) walks up the hill with a young fan after practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Ramik Wilson (53) walks up the hill with a young fan after practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) walks up the hill with a young fan after practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (19) signs autographs for fans after practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Frank Zombo (51) walks with a young fan after practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dadi Nicholas (52) does extra drills after practice on the fifth day of training camp on Mosaic Life Care Field at the campus of Missouri Western State University on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
It's a way for these guys to help one another, and it's not just with the rookies either.
"[Jeremy] Maclin helps me every time we finish anything, when we are talking or walking back to the huddle," Peters added. "That's what's going to help us get better. For us to help each other to grow and to win the Super Bowl we have to consistently do that on a day-to-day basis."
It's the same for Hill, who has consistently made plays through offseason workouts and now a week into training camp. It's the work he's putting in on a day-to-day basis that's going to make the difference between a player who made some plays during practices and a guy who can help this team when the lights turn on and the games are for real.
The validation and belief in being able to play and perform at this level hasn't yet come for Hill, and when asked when he'll feel that, Hill kept looking forward.
"Probably the first preseason game," he said. "When I can start making plays—when the real contact comes and when you play against another team full speed, that's when I'll know."
Until then, Hill will keep working to impress his coaches and teammates with his ability to make plays. He is eager to learn as much as he can so that when his time does come, much like Peters, he will be ready to step under the lights.
