Interview: 4-Star 2021 Florida ATH Commit Chief Borders Updates Offseason Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
It is hard to summarize Class of 2021 linebacker/athlete Hassan “Chief” Borders; there is no easy way to do it. During the 2019 season, Borders was a presence off the edge for McEachern High School as an outside linebacker using his 6-4.5, 238-pound, frame to unload on ball carriers, his speed to pressure quarterbacks, and his growing technique to collapse the pocket working over offensive tackles. Borders finished his junior campaign with 74 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, a sack, a pick, and knocked down two passes against Georgia 7A competition. During his standout season, Borders was taking the same focus into the classroom carrying a 4.0 GPA taking AP honors classes. The complete package as a student-athlete, college coaches came to the Peach State in a hurry dropping offers; 47 in total. The recruiting process for the four-star prospect came to an end on Nov. 10, 2019 when Borders verbally committed to the Florida Gators.
When the 2020 season begins, Borders will be taking on a new challenge playing for Carrollton High School. With the Trojans, Borders’ skills on the field will be in full display playing some safety and receiver in addition to his primary as an outside backer.
In an RNG first-look, Borders steps inside the RNG Lab giving fans an insight to his play on the field with details about his growing relationship with the Gators’ coaching staff.
Interview
Chief, you bring the heat to the party on impact. What gets you fired up on the field for a game?
“My pregame song, Lil Wayne’s “Can’t be Broken.” It speaks volumes to me.”
Playing the outside linebacker position for the Indians last season, your speed was a difference maker chasing down quarterbacks and running backs. What were some of the other traits to your game that helped impact games last season?
“Learning how to use my hands more, flipping my hips, and being more aggressive. The first four games were decent, but I got better and better. I became more aggressive and was using my body better by the end of the season. I was putting all my attributes together, and we kept on grinding. We got great results we wanted. It was great receiving The Dick Butkus Award.”
We talked about the things that make you dangerous on the field, and you kind of touched on this already, but which other areas of your game showed the biggest improvements last season?
“The way I moved, my physicality, and my agility. I was moving well for as big as I am. I was doing what I have to do to make the play.”
This offseason you transferred to Carrollton High School, where all might you line up on the field for the Trojans in 2020?
“On both sides of the ball. I will be at receiver on offense, Wildcat QB too, and at linebacker; outside linebacker and strong safety on defense.”
What defensive scheme will the Trojans run this season?
“We will run a 3-4, but it is shifted. We can walk down two linebackers turning into a 4-3, or we can go into a 5-2. Our defense, it can be anything it needs to be.”
Which aspects of your game have you been working on this spring?
“Due to the virus, I can’t move around too much. I am still working and grinding. I have a gym downstairs; I’ve been working a training program from my trainer.”
What is that routine?
“250 push-ups, 500 crunches, 100 mountain climbers, 100 burpies, jump rope, the ladder, and a two-mile run at the end. I workout on top of that too. I do my daily workout too, and then we hit the field.”
Back in November you verbally committed to the Florida Gators. Since that time, how have you further developed your relationship with the staff?
“Coach (Dan) Mullen (head coach), I have known him since his time at Mississippi State. With everyone on the coaching staff, our relationship has grown. Florida has a family environment. It is not just about the playing football, it is a family.”
Where do they have you lining up within their scheme?
“All over. Coach said I will have a hand in the dirt and be all over. I will do anything for the team they ask of me. The coaches said ‘you are too versatile. We see you at the money position.’ They are not putting a box on me. They see me playing receiver too.”
That’ll be exciting to see. I can’t wait for that. Are you helping recruit other players to join you in Gainesville? If so, what’s your pitch to the guys?
“Oh man. Of course, I expect a lot of people to come to Florida. I want to help build the team. I want to win a championship. I want all the best players that like to grind. My pitch is, if you want to win the championship come join the Florida Gators.”
Easy enough. Chief, it was great covering ground on your skills and relationship with the Florida staff today. Thank you.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Borders family; Chief Borders at Florida