Interview: 2018 Texas 4-Star RB Stanley Hackett Reminiscent of a Sealy All-Time Great

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When college offensive coordinators watch Class of 2018 running back Stanley Hackett in action, a drool bib is needed. The Sam Rayburn talent is an offensive puzzle piece that could fit into several spots as an immediate impact player at the next level opening up a world of opportunities for one lucky team in the near future.

Hackett is a grizzled Texas varsity veteran with an estimated 3,550 career yards on the ground with 27 total touchdowns. During his freshman season, he was awarded the 2014 District 22/6A Newcomer of the Year Award after rushing for 1,377 yards with nine scores. At the end of his sophomore season, Hackett added 997 yards with seven touchdowns to his resume and then rushed for 1,176 yards with 11 more scores in 2016.

True, there are better stat lines out there with video game type results forcing an immediate “wow” response. Taking the stats a step further, Hackett has been one of the best players on the Texans’ team over the past three years as the squad has fought to a 2-28 record since 2014. All opposing defenses know who is going to get the ball for Rayburn and the one person that has to be stopped to get the victory.

With defenses keying on Hackett in the run game, the offense has opened up a little more to their rising talent trying to get the ball to him in the passing game. During the 2015 season he had six receptions for 99 yards with a score and then tacked on an estimated 15 receptions for 286 yards with one more trip to the end zone in 2016.

An all too soon and all too unfair of a comparison for Hackett harkens back to another Texas talent, Eric Dickerson (Sealy High School). Hackett, like Dickerson, stretches the tape at 6-foot 3-inches. Hackett already has 193 pounds on his big frame and runs a reported 4.55 40-yard dash. With Hackett’s size and speed, he could just as easily slide over to the outside and be a menace to opposing college secondary defenders hauling in passes.

The world of potential Hackett brings to the field has college coaches flocking to Pasadena to find out more about the all-around athlete. So far UCLA, Texas Tech, Tulsa, Texas-San Antonio, and Baylor have extended an offer with teams like Michigan and Houston showing interest.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the four-star recruit to find out more about his career on the field and his recruiting process thus far.

Interview

Stanley, you started playing football for Rayburn during your freshman season. Was it a surprise to you how big of an impact you made right away?

“Honestly, yes. Coming into our summer camp, I thought I was going to be on the junior varsity squad. I was balling out and working hard during camp. During our two-a-days, coach called me over. He told me he was pulling me aside to work one-on-one with him. All freshmen have blue helmets. The last day of our camp coach gave me a white helmet. He said I earned it. That is when I found out I was on varsity.”

 

How did your sophomore season play out?

“My sophomore year, we had the game plan to power run. We went 0-10 during my freshman and sophomore seasons. I tried to run even harder. We ran the rock a lot. That helped with my stats. I felt like I had a successful season. We lost a lot of close ball games. My junior year we got two wins. We had some improvement on the field.”

You tore it up on offense last year at running back and wide receiver, which position do you like best?

“I like running back better. I am a hard runner. I like putting people in the dirt. I like getting hit. I know that sounds crazy. I get stronger and I get better as the game goes on. I like receiver a lot. I have the hands, height, and speed. If I could play both I positions at the same time I would.”

How did your playmaking abilities grow during the 2016 season?

“My first two years my hands were not that great. Over the summer I worked on my hands. I worked on trying to become a five-star prospect instead of a four. Practicing helped me in the 2016 season get better.”

Which defensive lineman or linebacker has been the toughest you have squared off against over the past two seasons?

“Manvel’s linebackers. They are all cornbread fed. They are big. They are all D-I athletes over there like me.”

How did that competition make you better?

“It made me better because it made me want to get stronger. Running through those guys made me get in the weight room and even work harder. It made me push that iron even more.”

What will you work on during the off-season?

“This off-season I want to get my 40 to a 4.3. I run a 4.5 now. I want everything to be better. I just want to be a better player this season.”

Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered you yet?

“Texas, Colorado, LSU, and Oklahoma State.”

How many offers do you have now?

“I have six.”

Which schools are in regular contact with you?

“UCLA, Texas Tech, and Baylor.”

Have you taken any visits yet?

“I have taken a visit to Lubbock to visit Texas Tech.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“Yes, sir. On Feb. 18, I am going to Baylor for their Junior Day.”

Do you know which camps you might attend?

“I’m going to the Under Armour camp. That is the only one that I know of right now.”

Are you playing any other sports for Rayburn?

“Basketball.”

Which position are you playing?

“Small forward.”

How is the season going?

“The season is going good so far. We are in third place.”

Do you know what you are averaging on the count?

“I’m averaging about 9.2 points, 2.1 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game.”

Last question. What is your passion outside of sports?

“Outside of sports I like to spend time with my family. I know that I will be leaving next year so I will not be spending as much time with them. I try to spend as much time with them as I can before I take off.”

Stanley, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your basketball season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Donna Alsdorf; No. 18 Stanley Hackett finds running room.

Photo credit: Donna Alsdorf; No. 18 Stanley Hackett jukes defenders.

Photo credit: Hackett family; Stanley Hackett at Texas Tech.