Interview: 3-Star 2019 OLB Alonzo Gray Hall Talks Arizona State Sun Devils Verbal Commitment

Posted by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

 

Alonzo Gray-Hall Profile

Position: Defensive End and Tight End

Height and Weight: 6-5, 235

Classification: 2019

Recruiting Ranking: 3-Star

 

High School: Reseda – Reseda, California – Division II – Valley Mission League

2018 Regents Record: 10-2

2018 Regents Stats (10 games): 67 tackles, 25 solo, 26 tackles for a loss, 15.5 sacks, 16 QB hurries, eight passes batted down, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery

Offense: 12 receptions for 210 yards with one touchdown

2017 Regents Record: 10-2

2017 Stats (12 games): 94 tackles, 28 solo, 31 tackles for a loss, 22 sacks, 20 QB hurries, three fumble recoveries, and two passes batted down

 

Commitment: Arizona State Sun Devils on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018

Offers (12): Arizona State, Iowa State, UNLV, Colorado State, Southern Mississippi, Wyoming, Idaho State, New Mexico, Nevada, San Jose State, and Fresno State

*Click link for Sept. 22, 2018, RNG interview with Alonzo Gray-Hall

Interview

Alonzo, congratulations on your commitment to Arizona State.

“Thank you.”

You visited the Sun Devils over the weekend. The trip obviously went well, what all did you do?

“Mostly eating. The facilities are nice and brand new, and they have a new stadium. The campus is big but not too spread out making it difficult to get places. It seems centered around the football stadium, I like that.”

What were your initial impression of the campus and facilities?

“A feeling of wow. When I toured the campus, I thought it was impressive.”

What was the game day atmosphere there like for you?

“You could feel the energy in the air, everything was amped up. You got the feeling of goose-bumps. The fans are happy and cheering. It was really lively.”

When you had the chance to talk to the coaches, what did they talk about with you?

“They talked to me about how I would fit into the scheme, and the things they would teach me for college and the NFL. They talked about building for the future and what they see me developing into once on campus.”

How do they see you fitting into their scheme?

“They see me playing end or linebacker depending on my weight.”

At what point did you start thinking this was the school for you?

“I had been leaning that way for a long time. When I was talking to Coach Herm Edwards (head coach), when he talked to me about the future, I knew my decision was made.”

What is Coach Edwards like when having a one-on-one conversation?

“Prolific. When talking with him, you get a feeling of words of wisdom and you know everything he is saying is correct. You can’t help but sit and be speechless. When he first asked me if I had any questions, I had nothing for the first few seconds until I snapped back into it.”

When did you commit, and which coach got the good news?

“I committed after I finished talking with Coach Edwards on Sunday, during the exit meeting.”

What was Coach Edwards’ reaction?

“He and all the other coaches were excited and happy. You could tell they were all genuine people, they were not putting on an act. It is a good place to be, and it is not just a strictly business feel. There is a family feel there.”

What was the reaction for you knowing that your dreams of being a college athlete and receiving a scholarship to earn a degree are coming true?

“After I said the words that ‘I will come here’, I was just sitting there blank for a few seconds until I realized what was happening. After that, I was all smiles.”

Will you take another visit back to Tempe before you sign?

“I’m not sure yet. Hopefully, I will. I love it there.”

Alonzo, congratulations again on your commitment and thanks for your time today.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Gray-Hall family; Alonzo Gray-Hall