Interview: 3-Star 2022 CB/KR Eric Hemphill III is a Talent on the Rise in Texas
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When it comes to the skill positions in Texas high school football, it is burn or get burned. For Class of 2021 cornerback Eric Hemphill III, he was the one scorching the opposition. The 5-11, 176-pound, corner took it to 5A offenses coming up with 50 tackles, 15 pass breakups, five picks, forced a fumble, and blocked a punt. His athletic talents were not limited to defense with the Brenham staff putting their rising three-star talent as a return specialist. The result was 354 kick return yards with two scores on 13 attempts and 23 punt return yards on three tries. Once the season was completed Hemphill had earned first team All-District and District Newcomer of the Year honors with an offer from Illinois State dropped in his lap.
College football programs across the south are starting to take notice of Hemphill’s talents ahead of a junior season with the Cubs that will increase his list of responsibilities to include receiver. To talk about all that he does on the field and his process off it, we sat down for a one-on-one RNG interview.
Interview
Eric, your sophomore season with the Cubs was explosive and impactful in more ways than one. Besides your speed, was working for you last season giving way to the big year on defense?
“I was very patient and I knew the defense from front to back, the calls, and I knew what my coach wanted done. Having speed, that makes the game easier.”
What coverages were you guys running?
“We run Cover 2. We do a lot of breaking on flat routes, some Cover 3, deep thirds, and a lot of man too.”
How did you see your overall game improve as a corner in 2019?
“Last year it improved a lot. Coach Justice taught me a lot. After each game on Sunday I would work more on my craft, on my eyes, my speed, my technique, and my overall game.”
In addition to showcasing your athleticism on defense, you also shinned as a kick returner using your speed and field vision helping your team to a 10-3 season. How fast are you?
“My fastest 40 at school, officially, 4.6 laser-timed. In the 200, my fastest time is a 21.8 and in the 400 I ran a 49.4 last year as a freshman.”
During the 2020 season where all will we see you on the field?
“This year I will be playing corner, that is my primary position, I will be impacting the offense more as a receiver, and back as a kick returner. I am trying to help my team win more games this year; we want to get past the third round of the playoffs this year.”
For all that you will be doing, what have you been working on this offseason?
“This offseason I have been working on my technique a lot, my breaks, jamming, the proper way to jam, and all the small things leading up to the big things. I have been going to Houston and College Station a lot working with coaches who have been helping me out. I also lift with a friend of mine every day.”
Let’s jump into recruiting. I know you have an offer from Illinois State, which other schools are showing interest in you?
“Texas, TCU, Texas A&M, SMU, Arizona, Arizona State, and a little from Alabama.”
Going back to last season, have you taken any unofficial visits?
“Yes. I took a Junior Day visit to Texas, went to a Baylor game, a few A&M games, and I went to Tulane.”
Sticking with the in-state schools, how did the trip to Texas go?
“It went really well. We had practice for 7v7 that day; it was quick but it was a good experience. They are doing a lot of good things in Austin. I liked what I saw there.”
And the Baylor game day visit?
“We were there for their game against UT; it was a fun atmosphere. My dad loved it. They treated us really well. They had people by us the whole game giving us water, they treated us really well.”
What about the A&M visits?
“They were good. We talked to Coach Jimbo Fisher (head coach) and Coach (Mike) Elko (DC); Coach Elko is cool guy. Coach “Mo” (Maurice Linguist – CB) and I had a good relationship; he is in Dallas with the Cowboys now. I like what they are trying to do in College Station.”
In the coming months, do you have any planned trips to visits some programs and campuses?
“Yes, I plan on visiting TCU, Coach (Jeremy) Modkins (CB) has been talking to me, I want to go up there, back to Texas, A&M, SMU and some out of state visits to LSU, Arizona State, and Arizona. I want to see Florida State too. My dad is a big FSU fan. That would be nice.”
Eric, I had a lot of fun covering ground with you today. Thanks for your time and good luck with the rest of your workouts this summer.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Hemphill family; Eric Hemphill at Texas