Interview: 2018 Texas 4-Star DB Byron Hanspard Jr. Prepping for a DeSoto Title Repeat

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When the 2016 high school football season ended, there was no debate about how impressive a year the Eagles had produced. DeSoto High School ransacked the state of Texas posting a perfect 16-0 season taking home the hardware after a 38-29 championship game takedown of Steele (Cibolo). The Eagles are once again loaded with talent earning a MaxPreps’ preseason Lone Star ranking of No. 2 and a national ranking of No. 12. One of the key players to DeSoto’s squad ready to lead his squad to a repeat is Byron Hanspard Jr.

Hanspard was all over DeSoto’s secondary in 2016 showcasing his talents with 40 tackles, 25 solo, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, 12 passes broken up, and three interceptions through stats posted in 13 games. The 6-0, 175 pound, defensive back was quickly rewarded for his efforts in the form of college scholarship offers. To date, Hanspard has over 20 offers but has found his next level fit with the Arkansas Razorbacks verbally committing on March 15. Some of the hopefuls wanting Hanspard beyond the Hogs includes Tennessee, Baylor, Texas Tech, Colorado, Northwestern, Houston, Jackson State, Texas-San Antonio, Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, and Oregon.

Ahead of Hanspard’s senior season, I sat down for an exclusive interview with the four-star recruit getting inside detail on the Eagles’ fall practices and how his offseason workouts went in preparation for the 2017 schedule.

Interview

Byron, what is the Eagles’ mindset as a team entering the 2017 season with the goal of defending your 2016 state title?

“The model for us is progression over regression. Each and every day we come out on the field to get better and build the bond as a brotherhood. We need the entire team to repeat. We had great chemistry, a great bond, and a great work ethic last season. We have the talent this year and we have the work ethic to do it again. All we need to do is gel as a team.”

How have your off-season workouts gone? Have you accomplished everything you set out to do?

“Yes, sir. My workouts were great. Every day I was on the grind. I never stopped. Even at home I was doing pushups and setups, and I was always in the weight room. We lifted at school from 7:30 to about 10:00 but to be great we left at 11:00. We lifted weights and went outside for speed, agility, and conditioning drills. I was working to get better every day and encouraging others to do the same. The day we stop working to improve is the day we are getting passed up.”

Which areas of your game have you been focused on the most?

“This spring and summer I worked to build my strength and speed. After transforming from offense to defense, I was running forward now I am back peddling. I worked on my hips, being more aggressive downhill, getting out of breaks faster, cutting off routes, and being patient.”

Did you go to any college camps this summer?

“No, sir. I did not take any visits this summer either. I was supposed to go to Arkansas last month but my father was out of town so I could not go. I am planning on going to Arkansas to catch some games this season. I will be at AT&T Stadium to see the Texas A&M game and I will be at the TCU game in Fayetteville. I can’t wait to see those games with the Texas guys there.”

Did you run a 40-yard dash this summer?

“No, sir. My most recent 40 was a 4.5 with my school during the off-season.”

How many offers are you up to now?

“I’m over 21 now. There are a couple offers I have not tweeted out from Grambling, Iowa State, and Tulsa. After committing to Arkansas, I did not want bad blood by tweeting out offers. I reached out to coaches directly and thanked them for the offer. I let them know I am fully committed to Arkansas.”

We talked about how your workouts have gone, how about how the team looks? How have fall camp practices with DeSoto gone so far?

“We started fall practices on Monday. We go from 1:00 to 5:30 as Jesus brings the heat down on us. We have to pray for a break in the weather and lots of cold water.”

What will be some of the strengths of the team this year?

“Our main strength will be our defense. We will hold everyone to under 14 points a game. That is our goal. We have great potential coming back. We have eight or nine returning starters from last year’s championship game back and all of them are D-I athletes. All of them can ball. I can go on and on about the defense but I believe that is the key to lead us to another state championship.

“On offense, it is progressing each and every day. We have some great leaders on offense. Courtney Douglas is starting at quarterback, Josh Jynes (Colorado) is at center, Kelan Walker (Houston) at running back, and La’Vontae Shenault is a great wide receiver. My little brother, Byron (2019 wide receiver), is doing great. We have a lot of potential and a lot of great players on offense. Nothing is in doubt about a state title. Our main thing is one game, one down, and one quarter at a time.”

Are you playing receiver and corner this year for the Eagles?

“This year, I don’t know what Coach (Todd) Peterman will do with mer. Right now, I’m starting at safety and sometimes I’ll go in at corner. I’ll go down to corner every now and again.”

Which position is Arkansas recruiting you to play?

“They are recruiting me as an athlete. When I sat down with Coach (Paul) Rhoads (defensive coordinator), we talked about safety and corner. I have a great relationship with Coach (Michael) Smith (receivers) as well.”

MaxPreps has the Eagles ranked No. 12 in the nation, No. 2 in Texas, is there any talk on the team about the rankings?

“We know who the best team in the nation is. We come out every day with the mindset that we are the best team in the nation. We are always striving to be better. We do not get caught up in the rankings and stats. That is not our main concern. Our main concern is getting better. Progression over regression – I told the team that all summer long.”

Well stated. Are there any games you have circled on the schedule?

“Yes, sir. Cedar Hill (Sept. 29), no doubt. They are always talking on social media. We love the haters. We love all of them. We never underestimate any opponent. Midland (Sept. 15) – we got off to a slow start with them last year and won in the fourth quarter (49-43). It took a four-down stand on defense to get the win. We want to get back on them this year after we had a six-hour bus ride with 45 minutes to get ready for the game last year. The South Grand Prairie game will be on ESPN (Nov. 9). That will be a great showdown as well.”

Have you set any goals for yourself entering your senior year?

“Yes, sir. My personal goal is progression over regression. Each and every day I thank God for another day. I have a purpose. The moment I have stopped working, my purpose has gone away. My goal is to go out each and every day to give it my all. I have the mindset to be the greatest to step on the field.”

How are you leading the team this year on and off the field?

“With a team slogan, “We can with God. I like to use Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not to thy own understanding. In all your ways submit to him and he will direct our path.”

Byron, thanks for your time today and good luck on the field this season.

“Thank you.”

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Featured photo: @bamisgod; No. 5 Byron Hanspard (left) at DeSoto High School.

Photo credits: Greg Powers; No. 5 Byron Hanspard at a DeSoto practice.