Interview: 4-Star 2022 California DE Gracen Halton Adding Starting RB to Responsibilities

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

High school football fans taking in a St. Augustine game last year, and over the next two seasons, get to see a rarity on the field in Class of 2022 talent Gracen Halton. Halton broke onto the varsity scene as a freshman earning a starting spot as a defensive end for the Saints and has since pushed his athleticism into an impact role on both sides of the ball.

It would be hard to dismiss a very excited Saints fan about the next level prospects of Halton’s. Early on his presence on the field was a difference maker ending a five-game freshman run in 2018 with 24 tackles, 18 solo, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, five quarterback hurries, three passes batted down, a fumble recovery, two forced fumbles, and a blocked field goal. Jump to his sophomore season, the Saints posted an 8-3 run against San Diego area competition with their emerging star taking over on defense clipping 55 plays, 41 solo, with 12 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, eight quarterback hurries, two picks (including a sweet one-handed grab about five feet from the QB), six pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

The athletic abilities were put on display in the other two phases watching the 6-4, 250-pounder, take back a kick 60 yards while rushing six times for 83 yards and securing three passes for 49 yards with a score. Once the 2020 season kicks off, Halton will be a two-way starter for the Saints at defensive end and running back.

The upside coupled with the productivity has placed 10 offers in Halton’s lap along with four-star recruiting status. Covering his abilities on both sides of the ball and his expanding recruiting options, Halton stepped inside the RNG Lab for a first interview.

Interview

Gracen, you emerged as a rising star during your freshman season earning meaningful varsity snaps in 2018. How did that game experience help push you forward during your sophomore season?

“It made me better as a player because you are starting as a freshman, sophomore you know what to expect. Playing with the big boys as a freshman, you know you need to get bigger and stronger, then you have the experience.

“My freshman season ended in Game 5; I tore my ACL. Coming back from that injury, I had a big impact. The ACL is a big part of my sophomore season, most people do not comeback the same, but I think I came back better.”

Hard to argue that point. People out there may know of you as a defensive end, but you have a lot more to your game than that. The Saints’ staff worked you into the offense as a tight end/H-back utilizing your athleticism in the passing attack and run game. What all were you doing for your team on offense last season?

“I was sometimes at tight end, and they had me at running back. Against Madison, I had a 63-yard run. At tight end, I’d get a quick pass and then do what I can to make a play. On my first pass last season I got it and I scored. They gave me the ball more after that. This season I will be starting at running back.”

Whoa, wait. I cannot wait to see that. I fear for the linebackers and defensive backs having to knock helmets with you this season (he laughs). How did you see your overall talents grow as an offensive player in 2019?

“Since youth football, I have been playing running back and quarterback; I have that experience. Now I am carrying that into high school. I can do wonderful things with the ball. I have transferred that on with my game.”

On defense, what scheme were you guys running last season?

“We ran a 3-4.”

You had a big-time presence on the field off the edge. You did a great job of shadowing the play, running it down, and collapsing the pocket. What do you feel are some of the other strengths to your game as a defender?

“I am quick, not too many quarterbacks can run away from me and I can use my feet against offensive linemen so they do not get their hands on me. I am a good pass rusher, my get off is good and so is my footwork overall. With my play, I combine my footwork like K’Lavon Chaisson (LSU) of the Jaguars. My get off and coming off the edge are quicker than ever.”

Are you working on any new moves this spring?

“Yes, I am. I am working on getting lower than the tackle and making the play after getting past the lineman.”

This was touched on a minute ago with you starting at running back, what will be your other roles in 2020?

“You will see me on both sides of the ball – running the ball and making plays on defense.”

Are you staying at end on defense?

“Yes, I am staying at end on defense.”

Since the season ended, what else have you been working on with your game?

“This spring I have been working on my footwork doing ladder drills and running up hill for speed and stamina. My stamina has to be there this year going both ways as a starter.”

Have you had a chance to max out in the weight room this offseason?

“The last time I maxed on benched I got 300 and I squatted 425.”

Nice. With recruiting, how many scholarship offers do you have?

“I have 11 offers.”

Halton’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State, San Diego State, Syracuse, USC, Washington, and Washington State

Which schools are showing interest?

“Oklahoma and Texas.”

Going back over the last few months, did you get to visit any programs?

“Yes. I went to UCLA and USC.”

How did the UCLA visit go?

“It was good. I tried on the gear and walked around the campus.”

And the USC visit, how did that turn out?

“I went there for a Junior Day visit. They fed us, we watched highlights and walked around the campus.”

Are there any planned visits ahead?

“Yes, but nothing planned with a date. I will most likely visit Oregon and USC again.”

Last question, my virus buster. What have you been doing for fun this spring to keep yourself entertained?

“Playing Fortnight. There is not as much on TV, I have been watching Netflix and movies with my mom.”

Gracen, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you continued success with your workouts this spring and summer.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Halton family; Gracen Halton at UCLA (2020)