Interview: 2021 Louisiana RB George Hart is a Top Overlooked Talent
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
In the modern era of football, versatility in a running back opens up so much more of the offense, and at every level. One of the most versatile and productive in Louisiana is Class of 2021 talent George Hart III. Painting the picture, Hart is a bigger back with speed that is a scat-back who can do it all. At 5-10, 202-pounds, Hart carries his speed with bursts past the line of scrimmage lowering his shoulder like a 6-3, 240-pounder, ending the play pancaking the defender. If a move can be made to spring free, Hart has quickness and agility to make defenders miss. On third down plays, the Catholic Baton Rouge product can block for his quarterback or slip out of the backfield as a threat in the passing game.
Hart’s productivity against Louisiana 5A defenses is attracting a heavy regional crowd. Rest assured, once the rest of the college football world finds out about him, his name will ascend recruiting boards throughout.
In an RNG first-look, Hart details his play on the field with an update on his growing recruiting interests.
Interview
George, you had an explosive season last year running it down the throats of 5A Louisiana defenses. What was popping for you allowing for the big production?
“The offensive line and the coaches scheming for everything. In the film room and the scout team preparing us, it came natural and second nature after how well they prepared us. The offensive line was moving guys out of the way making sure we would be successful. They were doing their part and not taking anything lightly.”
As mentioned, the line did a great job of opening up holes for you, and your burst through the second level was great. How fast are you?
“My fastest was a 4.7 at a camp last season.”
What style of offense did the Bears run in 2019?
“A Spread offense.”
How was the offensive coordinator getting the ball into your hands?
“For me, I was behind some seniors, one was a Wildcat with direct snaps to me. I was doing some power and inside zones. I caught the ball a little bit too; I will do more of that this year. I did some outside zones too.”
Is there an area of your game that may get overlooked?
“Yes. My catching ability may get overlooked. We may do more of that, but I have hands.”
Funny, I would have said how hard you run because you will knock a guy on his ass in a hurry.
(Laughs) “Thank you.”
Where did you show the biggest improvements in your talents during the 2019 season?
“My pass blocking. The running back blocking part is big in our offense, an important part. I worked a lot on that my sophomore year going forward to develop that trait.”
What is your personality on the field come game time?
“I’m a laid-back guy, but when it is time to work I switch from being animated to a serious person. I feel that is cool about me being able to go from 0 to 100. I can be fun in the locker room but then serious for practice or a game.”
Are you taking on any new roles with the Bears in 2020?
“Last year I did a bunch of special teams, I was on kickoff. I may be on kickoff return this year.”
Which areas of your game have you focused on with your offseason workouts?
“Trying to get bulkier and faster. I am trying to improve my speed and add weight so I can burst through the hole and make it harder for guys to tackle me. That will be better for my blocking as well. I am also working on my footwork, improving that as much as I can.”
With everything essentially shutdown in the workout world, what has been your daily routine to stay in shape?
“We have online school. I check in at 8:00, do my school work, and after that I workout by myself. Around 5:30, my dad and I go outside doing football drills and then I run. We have some weights here. We focus on a body part like arms, chest, or legs. I am keeping it up so when we get back I am not out of shape. I am also watching film keeping my mind ready.”
When watching film, what are you watching?
“Past games. I am picking up on tendencies and mistakes that I made. I am watching last season on Hudl.”
Once camp season gets underway, are there any you may attend?
“Yes, sir. Camps I will probably attend are Baylor, ULL (Louisiana), I’m trying to make it to Navy, an Alabama camp, Mississippi State, Tulane, Ole Miss, Stephen F. Austin and Rice. We’ll see how the camp season goes. I will try to hit a bunch.”
Which schools are looking in on you?
“Stephen F. Austin, ULL, Navy is showing a lot of interest, Tulane, Northwestern State, Rice, UTSA, and South Alabama.”
From the start of last season up until this spring, did you get a chance to take any visits?
“During the season I took some. I had some Junior Day visits planned but those were cancelled. The ones I took in 2019, I went to Rice, TCU, ULL, Tulane, Ole Miss, Nicholls State, Northwestern State, and Alabama. The ones planned were to Stephen F. Austin, ULL, ULM (Louisiana-Monroe), Navy, South Alabama, UTSA, and Mississippi State.”
My virus buster question. What have you been doing for fun during this time?
“Playing PlayStation with my friends, Netflix, and spending time with my parents, that has been fun.”
George, I appreciate your time today and wish you luck taking down your friends on PlayStation.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Hart family; George Hart at TCU and Alabama