One to Watch Interview with 2021 California Speedster WR Zion Hall

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The groundwork laid during the 2018 season for Ridgeview High School receiver Zion Hall is building into something special. As a sophomore, Hall took on Division I California competition carrying the pigskin 24 times for 185 yards with six trips into the end zone and secure four passes for 57 yards with two more scores going up on the board. The big play potential for Hall (5-7, 145) was evident, and that raw foundation was improved upon over the offseason with outside training and practices with the Wolf Pack. Three games into his junior season (2-1), Hall is showcasing is 4.5 electronic-timed 40-yard dash speed in the aerial attack pulling down 19 passes for 192 yards with two touchdowns and has 60 kick return yards on two attempts and 30 punt return yards on three tries.

With a bright future ahead, I sat down for a one-on-one conversation with Hall covering his offseason preparation and the early start to his junior year on the field.

Interview

Zion, I think it is pretty cool that you were selected a team captain as a junior. When you found out you had been selected, what did that honor mean to you?

“It meant a lot. To be able to know that amongst your peers you are one that the other guys look up to, that is a good feeling. I am glad I get to lead them onto the battlefield.”

You are a proven dynamic player for the Wolf Pack. Where are you lining up within the offense and how are the coaches getting the rock to you?

“I line up at slot. They try their best to get me the ball in open space where I can make moves and get up field.”

Last season you carried the pigskin some, are you getting carries out of the backfield again this year?

“Most likely not, but you never know what will come in the future.”

Being named a captain, you had to put in a lot of hard work over the summer to show your leadership skills. What did you work on to prepare for the 2019 schedule?

“I worked on my receiver skills and I worked on getting stronger. I knew last year I was on the smaller side and that I needed to get my weight up. I worked with great receiver coaches over the hill. I went to some camps to show off my talents and to show what I have been working on this offseason.”

Which receiver coaches did you work with over the hill?

“I trained with Coach DT from Formula 4 Speed.”

Did you play 7v7 with Formula 4 Speed as well?

“I did.”

How did training with Formula 4 Speed and playing on their 7v7 team help push your game forward?

“They helped me get better by learning more about technique and the game overall. I learned a lot about the position – getting off the ball, not dragging your feet on cuts, working the field, and the technical stuff. After all of that, then we worked on route running. They exposed me to a lot of new stuff.”

You just mentioned camps, which college camps did you go to this summer?

“I went to Nevada – I got the fastest man at that camp, a Cal-Poly camp and a Northwestern camp. I also competed at the All-American Combine.”

How did the Cal-Poly camp performance turn out?

“It went great. I met their recruiting coordinator who recruits in our area. It felt like a family there. It felt like they knew me already. I think I impressed them with my camp performance.”

After winning the fastest man honors, what is the fastest 40-yard dash you have laid down?

“My fastest hand-timed is a 4.3. My fastest electronic-timed was a 4.5 at the Hall of Fame Camp in LA. I was invited to their big camp in Ohio but did not go.”

With the work put into your game, where are you seeing the biggest improvements already this season?

“I see the differences in my route running and breaking tackles. I am stronger allowing me to break tackles and I am able to take on hits. My overall health is better.”

Which schools are showing interest?

“I am receiving interest from Nevada, Cal-Poly, and I have talked to UNLV.”

Did you visit any schools separate from the camps?

“Yes. I visited Nevada.”

Tell me about the Nevada visit.

“I loved it. They are like family there. They welcome you with open arms. They showed me the campus and let me know what they are about, even outside of football covering academics. The academic plan for life after football, that really impressed me.”

Going back to football. What big games coming up?

“BHS (Bakersfield High School) and Clovis North (Fresno).”

You guys take on BHS on Friday, what are you expecting from the Drillers (1-2)?

“Overall, I expect a high intensity, hard hitting game. For me, I am very confident.”

I like that. We’ll leave everything right there. Zion, it was great learning more about you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success this season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Hall family; Zion Hall at Nevada