Interview: 3-Star 2020 OG/DT Talent Gavin Hals Talks Being Two-Way Star for Montgomery High School
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
It is one thing to have size in the trenches in the high school ranks, it is another thing to do something with those gifts. During the 2018 season, Gavin Hals emerged as a two-way standout player for Montgomery High School kicking butt as an offensive guard and defensive tackle earning three-star recruiting status along the way. Hals’ work against Division II California competition has drawn a crowd of next level coaches interested in his progress and growth. An offer has come from Howard with programs like Fresno State, Cal, Oregon State, and Michigan State tracking him.
In an RNG exclusive, I went one-on-one with the 6-5, 289-pound, Santa Rosa area prospect to learn more about his approach to the game and rapidly expanding recruiting prospects.
Interview
Gavin, going into your junior season, what were some of the goals you had set for yourself?
“One of the goals was to be a captain on the offensive line. I wanted to make sure we all knew what we were doing, execute correctly, and make no mistakes. I wanted to make sure our quarterback, running backs, and receivers got yards. Another goal was getting time in on defense. I got time on both sides ending up with 56-plus tackles, some forced fumbles, and a few deflected passes.”
Based on the goals set, how do you feel the season went?
“Personally, it was my best so far. I think I did much better than last year. I was more physical and my technique was good. I worked hard on getting low and that part of my game got better. As a team we went 8-2 in the regular season, that was our best record in the past five or six years. We went to the playoffs, which was great. Now we are getting ready for next year.”
Which areas of your game do you feel were showcased throughout the season?
“On the offensive line, I love protecting the quarterback and blocking for our running backs. I am really good at it. I am good at communicating with my linemen. I am a good captain and a good leader on the line.”
Did you track pancake and knockdown blocks during the 2018 season?
“No. We didn’t.”
If you had to guess, about how many a game were you getting?
“I had about five or six pancakes per game, the knockdowns were around the same amount if not more. We passed a lot. When we ran, I knocked down or pancaked someone every time.”
I believe you. How did you improve your game as a run blocker?
“My leverage and getting off the ball. I played low and physical, driving my hips through the block making sure he would not get near the ball at all.”
What about as a pass blocker?
“My sophomore year I was at left tackle and they put at guard this year. I further studied the position by watching college and NFL, guys. I learned a lot that way in addition to what we were doing in practice. I wanted to make sure my kick-step was good as a guard. I worked on footwork and technique making sure no defender will get past me. I can play any position along the offensive line – even center.”
Which areas of your game will you focus on improving this offseason?
“My strength is my primary focus. I want to be a beast on the field. I want to make sure they are scared of me. I will work a lot on leverage and perfecting my technique, getting my kick steps, drive blocks, and quick feet.”
As mentioned, you got some time in at defensive tackle as well. What was that like for you flipping the switch trying to blow up fellow offensive linemen?
“Honestly, it was fun. Playing both sides of the ball helped me on both sides. Since playing defensive tackle, I know really well how to be an offensive lineman knowing what they are trying to do. I knew what to do, I used the moves against them. It worked great. I am a great defensive tackle. I learned how to play both ways, this was my first year going both ways as a starter.”
How is everything going in the weight room?
“I am squatting around 425 to 430 and my bench press is between 280 to 290.”
Impressive. Turning to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from Fresno State, Cal, Boise State, San Diego State, New Mexico, Oregon State, and Michigan State.”
Nice list of schools. Have you received an offer yet?
“Yes. I have received an offer from Howard. I am blessed to have that offer.”
During the season, did you take any unofficial visits?
“Yes. I visited Fresno State and Cal three or four times each.”
How did the Fresno State visits go?
“They were amazing. Seeing them wining the Mountain West Conference. Winning their bowl game was huge – it was an honor to go there to have extensive visits with them. I got opportunities to talk to their recruiting coordinator and offensive line coach. Their offensive line was destroying defenses. It was amazing to watch.”
And Cal, how did those visits go?
“They were great. I loved their facilities, their workouts, and how they treat their players making sure their players are well. Their coaching staff is great, I like them a lot. I like what they are doing at Cal.”
Do you have any planned upcoming?
“Yes. I plan on going to Fresno State again, Boise State – I have an interview with them on Jan. 8. I plan on taking some visits this summer when going to college camps; Michigan State, Boise State, and Fresno State to show them what I can do.”
Are you competing in any camps and/or combines in the coming months?
“I am also going to the Polynesian Bowl Combine in March and I have been invited to Opening Regional in May – I am signed up for that.”
Are you playing any other varsity sports for Montgomery?
“No school sponsored varsity sports but I do play rugby. We beat De La Salle last year in the state championship game. That was their first loss in two years. I started last year and I am starting again this year.”
Gavin, it was great catching up with you today. Good luck with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Hals family; Gavin Hals in action and Hals at Fresno State (2018)