Ronnie Hillman came into San Diego State as one of the most heralded recruits in some time. That will happen when you are dubbed the "Reggie Bush of Orange County."

But academic questions put his career on hold for one season. Now that he is a part of the team, he has lived up to the hype four games into the season.

Hillman has eight rushing touchdowns, equaling the entire team output in 2009. He is also averaging 133 yards a game, giving San Diego State (3-1) a much-needed boost to its running game headed into this Saturday's game at BYU.

"He has very good vision and exceptional acceleration," offensive coordinator Al Borges said. "Those two things probably make for the bulk of his success. He has the ability to kick on the burners and run away from people. He’s 0 to 60 in 2 seconds. Sometimes it seems like anyway and that helps. He sees well. He’s not a big guy, but he runs tough for a guy his size. He’s not afraid. We’ve given him some holes and he’s found a way -- if he gets a step on, you he’s tough to run down."

When asked to describe his running style, Hillman pauses and says he doesn't know. "I'm quick and fast and I do what I'm told to do and run," he said. Indeed, when asked what he runs in the 40, Hillman sheepishly said, "4.39." He ran the 100, 200 and 400-meter relay in high school as well.

But his journey to playing time took longer than expected. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound Hillman enrolled last fall, but questions about his SAT score forced him to withdraw. He worked as a waiter in Georgia while preparing to re-take the test. When he got the passing score he needed, Hillman was able to re-enroll in the spring and emerged as the No. 1 running back.

He obviously has not looked back, and has already drawn comparisons to former San Diego State great Marshall Faulk. Is it a coincidence that Hillman has the same birth date as one of the best days Faulk had at San Diego State? Hillman was born Sept. 14, 1991, the same day Faulk ran for 386 yards and seven touchdowns in a win over Pacific, in his just second game as a true freshman.

"I’m not here to be the next Marshall Faulk or anybody," Hillman said. "I’m just here to help the team win, and play the best we can."