Interview: Dynamic 3-Star 2020 South Carolina WR Darius Hough Covers Breakthrough Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Sometimes being a gifted athlete can be more complicated than it appears creating confusion; that was the case for Class of 2020 Myrtle Beach High School talent Darius Hough. Hough has the overall athletic talents proving to be gifted in multiple sports, but which sports should he pursue, that is where tough decisions had to be made. Hough went the hardcourt route but took the opportunity to run all sorts of routes for the Seahawks during his senior season after a 2.5-year absence – in short, he tore it up.
Hough became one of the bigger sleeper recruits in the 2020 class with his return to the gridiron. Showcasing his speed and play-making abilities, the 6-3, 205-pound, receiver hauled in 40 passes for 705 yards with 10 trips into the end zone helping his team to a 13-1 record against 4A South Carolina competition. Hough took home first team All-Region honors on the field for his work in 2019, and now some college programs are starting to find him just ahead of National Signing Day.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I spent some time with the collegiate prospect getting the inside scoop on his senior season and the teams showing recruiting interest.
Interview
Darius, the tweet to your 2019 highlight reel stated, “first year back,” and you tore it up. How long were you away from the game and what brought you back onto the field for your senior season?
“I was away for about 2.5 years. What brought me back, I am an athlete. Football is my first sport, I picked up basketball and that kind of took me away from football. But I wanted to play my senior season and make up for the time lost, give it my all.”
How has the basketball season gone for you this year and overall during your high school career?
“It is going great. I made second team All-Region in seven games last year. It is going great this year. My basketball skills helped me with football. We are 2-0 this season in region.”
Not only are you big but you are also fast. Have you laid down any timed runs?
“No, sir. I have not run a 40 since my eighth-grade year.”
Have you raced anyone on the team you know is fast?
(Laughs) “I gave Luke (Doty) a run for his money. I didn’t beat him, but gave him a good run.”
What offensive scheme were the Seahawks running in 2019 and what routes were you running?
My primary routes were posts, my killer route was the middle seam – that was my bread and butter. Luke and I had great chemistry on that. I ran some drags too.”
Being objective as possible, you had to be rusty to start the year but got into your groove over the course of the season. Which areas of your game improved as the season went along?
“My biggest thing was focusing on looking the ball in. As a receiver you think you had it, but you did not look it in all the way. My route running improved and I had to get a feel for defenses. Luke and I sat down together going over film. We went over what did and did not work. My routes and hands were the two primary things that improved the most, and knowing what spots to fill and how to read the defense.”
Which game did you turn in your best performance?
“The Week 3 game against Carolina Forest was my best game. That was a nationally televised game. That was the biggest game I had participated in; I had five receptions for 107 yards with four touchdowns.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“South Carolina – they have been a primary school, Old Dominion, Coastal Carolina, and some from Louisville. West Florida, they just followed me on Twitter, and some D-II and JUCOs are showing interest.”
Have you picked up an offer?
“I have an offer from North Greenville University.”
Have you visited any schools?
“Yes, sir. I have taken three unofficial visits to South Carolina and on Jan. 21 I am taking an official to North Greenville.”
How did the South Carolina visits go?
“They were great. I met the coaching staff. I loved the facilities, Luke being my teammate, he showed me around. The experience was great knowing I was a recruit. I really enjoyed it.”
Before we wrap the interview, do you have a message for the college coaches out there?
“I’m a worker. This year, I showed a lot of people what I can do on the field and I have more to show. I am ready to get to the next level to get after it. I am not concerned about where I am going, I just focused on getting there.”
Well said. Darius, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your basketball season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Hough family; Darius Hough at South Carolina