Top Prospect Watch: Interview with 2028 Arkansas WR Chase Hancock
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If you’ve been around the game a while, there’s a feel to scouting one develops watching talent on the gridiron. Out of Little Rock’s (Ark.) Pulaski Academy, 2028 receiver Chase Hancock has all the tools to develop into that must-get prospect college coaches will be lining up to sign.
Even if he can’t fully explain it or fully understand it yet, Hancock (5-10, 157) has a five-star feel for the game already. Dragging across the middle finding the hole in the defense, showing patience for a play to develop, and knowing when to turn the jets on are some of the veteran-esq qualities Hancock brings to the field.
When the game calls for more than the cerebral, Hancock also has the physical gifts. Posting a 4.6 laser-timed 40-yard dash at an Auburn camp over the summer, the developing speed shows. The hands – everything comes in clean with that foot planted in the ground looking to move the ball downfield.
The stats against his peer group helps fill in the gaps. Through five games Hancock has secured 23 passes for 376 yards. In total, the rising prospect has tallied 566 yards with nine trips into the end zone.
In an RNG exclusive, Hancock sat down for a one-on-one covering his freshman campaign at midseason.
Q&A Interview
What style of offense is the team executing?
“We run a s Spread offense.”
What is your role in the offense as a receiver?
“I play the X; I’m the quick guy. The goal is to get the ball to me quickly. We run a lot of switches, delays, and screens.”
How has the season gone so far?
“It has gone pretty well. A few teammates got hurt, but they are still with us on the sidelines, and we are there for them. Other than that, as an offense we are working on getting the ball out quicker in the first half of games. Defense wise, we are holding people to less than 30 points.”
How has the season gone for you personally?
“It has been a little rough taking hits going across the middle, but it has gone well.”
What are the things you do well on the field?
“Getting open, getting off the press, catching the ball, catching from every angle, and being a decoy for my teammates.”
What are you working on every day in practice?
“Reading the DB (defensive back), getting in and out of my breaks, and knowing when to break on my DB. I am really working on reading the DB. Running a 10-yard dig with the DB trailing me, I am working on getting his hands off me and creating space.”
You have that extra gear when you want it; how fast are you?
“I ran a 4.6 (laser) at Auburn this summer.”
What are your goals for the rest of the season?
“To get better as a receiver, and to get better as a DB.”
Why is it important for you to get better as a defensive back?
“I am learning the position so when I am at receiver, I will know what the DB will do. I will know what they will do at different breaks.”
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In addition to applying his abilities on the field, Hancock is also playing basketball for the Bruins this fall.
Photo credit: Hancock family