Interview: Texas DB DeMarcus Hall Showing Versatility at Corner During Senior Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Thanks to the coaches at San Marcos High School, when DeMarcus Hall matriculates to a next level program as part of the 2018 recruiting class, his next defensive coordinator will have a field day with the rising prospect as he can play any position required in the secondary. The next challenge on Hall’s list to conquer is cornerback, in the grand scheme of his life a truly small challenge.
Hall can jump into his new role at corner with ease and a lot of confidence after earning All-District 14-6A honors during his junior year playing free safety. The 5-11, 184 pound, defender added 44 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception to his resume in 2016. Hall proved he could come down and stop the run, defend the pass over the top, and come down in the box to play one-on-one with opposing Texas slot receivers.
College recruiting at the Division-I level has been slow, but among the D-II and D-III ranks it appears that a fight is brewing for Hall’s talents. Some of the interested includes Midwestern, Texas A&M Commerce, Texas Lutheran, Northeastern State (OK), Southern Arkansas, New Mexico Highland, Union College, and Southern Nazarene. Lining up at corner throughout the upcoming season will give Hall yet another chance to showcase his athleticism and cover skills growing his interest and offer sheet across the country.
Anyone that may doubt Hall’s abilities on the field or his determination to be able to play at the college level do not know his story. Hall is a cancer survivor. In March of 2005, Hall was dealt a real-life setback finding out that he had Stage 3 Large B Cell Lymphoma. True to his nature on the field, a born fighter, Hall knocked cancer out of the game being in complete remission for over three years. The most daunting of challenges on the field are nothing to Hall after what he has faced off the field.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the Rattler’s key defenders learning about his play on the field, off-season workouts, and recruiting process.
Interview
Demarcus, you were all over the field for the Rattlers last season earning second team All-District honors. What were some of the strengths of your game in 2016?
“My teammates, they made me a better player in practice and on the field. The coaches pushed me to work hard each day. With my play, stopping the run, coming down and setting the edge, and reading my keys all contributed to me having a big season. Having to guard people coming down the hill and in the back end were some of my strengths.”
What were some of the weaknesses of your game?
“I’d have to say, when a bad play happens letting it bother me for a while before putting it behind me.”
Which areas of your game have you shored up during the off-season?
“Getting faster, improving my strength, getting across the field faster, and reading my keys faster.”
Have you maxed out in the weight room this spring or summer?
“Yes, I have. My bench is 275, squat 410, and my power clean was 240.”
Have you attended any camps this off-season?
“Yes, sir. The college camps I went to were Midwestern and A&M Commerce. On the 22nd, I have another A&M Commerce camp.”
Which camp was your best performance?
“Probably the Midwestern camp.”
What did you do well?
“I ran a faster 40 and shuttle time at that camp. I learned new techniques at that camp to help my press coverage and my off-man coverage.”
What time did you post in the 40?
“4.56.”
Where all might we see you line up on the field during your senior year?
“I’ve been talking to the coaches about me playing some at receiver. I may play some safety, and I’ll be back at corner this year. I will also be on punt and kick return.”
What is the mindset of the Rattlers’ defense entering the 2017 schedule?
“We are pumped and ready. We have to keep working hard this summer to finish strong. We have some guys going to camps looking to get better as we are entering two-a-days. We are looking strong.
Is there a game on the schedule you are excited to play?
“Bowie and Del Valle.”
What goals have you set for yourself for your senior year?
“Getting more tackles and more interceptions, and earning first team All-District and hopefully All-Region honors.”
DeMarcus, thanks for your time today and good luck with fall camp.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Texas Redzone Report; No. 10 DeMarcus Hall
Photo credit: Texas Redzone Report; No. 10 DeMarcus Hall with Prudy Calderon
Photo credit: Hudl.com; No. 10 DeMarcus Hall comes up with a turnover