Auburn University at Montgomery Athletics

Prior to AUM: Spent three seasons at Troy University in Troy, Ala., where he played for head coach Bobby Pierce … appeared in 52 games during his career with the Trojans … posted 30 career hits in 115 at bats … had four doubles and 14 runs batted in … was 5-of-6 on stolen base attempts … had a career high three hits against Middle Tennessee on April 17, 2011 … helped the Trojans to the Sun Belt Championship and a 43-19 record in 2011 … finished with a .294 batting average with four doubles, 11 RBIs and a .362 on-base percentage … redshirted in 2010.

Prep: Played five seasons for head coach A.J. Kehoe at Beauregard High School in Beauregard, Ala. … helped the Hornets to a 32-11 record, the area championship and their first appearance in the state quarterfinals in school history as a senior … during his final season, hit .478 with 36 RBIs, while setting the school record for hits (55) and doubles (18) … posted a .623 on-base percentage and hit four home runs … was named first-team all-state and all-area as a senior … was named Opelika-Auburn News Offensive Player of the Year … participated in the AHSAA East-West All-Star game … played travel ball with Dothan’s Post 12 team … also lettered in football for four seasons … was valedictorian of his senior class.

Personal: Born on Nov. 3, 1990 … full name is Joseph Hayden Hillyer … is the son of Jody and Kelly Hillyer … has one younger brother, Hunter … is majoring in justice and public safety.