2017 CB Darren Hall Updates Season and Utes Official Visit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
The 2016 high school football season is in full swing which means the recruiting trail is especially hot for seniors. One Class of 2017 recruit pushing forward on his eventual decision is Rancho Cucamonga High School cornerback Darren Hall.
Hall is now a three-year varsity starter playing against top California talent. The 6-1, 170 pound cover corner has been consistent on the field when tested coming up with 45 tackles, six pass breakups, and three picks during his sophomore season and followed that up with 48 tackles, three pass breakups, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, a blocked punt, and a pick during the 2015 season.
The Cougars went 9-4 in 2015 with Hall stealing some of the attention his way with his play. He pulled in early offers from Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah but now has 11 total with Colorado, Fresno State, UNLV, San Jose State, New Mexico, Oregon State, and Washington State coming after him. More attention is sure to come his way with the Cougars off to a 4-0 start and ranked as the No. 6 team in the state of California and the No. 42 team in the nation by MaxPreps.
Hall took his first official visit of five he could take if desired. His first stop was in Salt Lake City to see the Utes take on BYU. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Hall to go over the Cougars 2016 season to date and got an overview on his Utah visit along with his recruitment process thus far.
Interview
Darren, I’d like to start off with the Cougars. You guys are off to a 4-0 start coming off a big 41-20 win over Murrieta Valley. How do the Cougars look to you? Are you guys coming together for a deep playoff run?
“We look real good right now and we are peaking at the right time. We have four good wins against some good teams. I feel like we are finally coming together becoming one. All the work over the summer is starting to pay off.”
How did the Murrieta Valley game go for you personally?
“Personally, I had four tackles, a forced fumble and fumble recovery, another fumble recovery, and two pass breakups. We were down 13-20 at one point, but we battled back.”
Which games left on the schedule are you getting pumped to play?
“I’m excited to play every game but I really want to play Upland and Chino Hills. That will place (rank) us in playoffs and against two rival teams.”
Are you happy with your personal play so far this season?
“Yes, very content. I would like to have a pick by now but I’m happy with how I am playing.”
Kind of a silly question, but how does it feel to be on the No. 6 ranked team in the state of California, No. 42 in the nation?
“It feels good. That puts a chip on shoulder to perform at our best. We know we can’t take a play off in a game or in practice. We have to go 100 percent in everything we do each week.”
Over to recruiting, how did the Utah visit go?
“It went amazing. It was great experience.”
Who went with you on your visit?
“My parents.”
What all did you do?
“We got picked up went to the hotel checked in, ate breakfast, and then had meetings with their academic staff. After that we went around the campus saw the facilities, the players’ dorms, and met some of the players. We ate a lot, I mean a lot, and then went to the game. After the game we went out with the players. Sunday morning we had breakfast with the coaches and then hung out in players’ lounge and then we left.”
What did you learn during your visit to Utah you did not know going in?
“How big their fan base was.”
Which coaches did you meet with during your visit?
“I talked to my position coach, Coach (Sharrieff) Shah, defensive coordinator, Coach (Morgan) Scalley, and Coach (Kyle) Whittingham.”
What did the coaches talk about with you?
“They just asked about how I was treated on trip, my grades, and how I am doing this season. They asked about commitment times and stuff like that.”
Have to ask, what did you tell them about your commitment time?
“I told them it could be soon or I might wait, I really don’t know right now.”
During your visit, did you see yourself fitting in with the team and with the defensive scheme the Utes use?
“Most definitely.”
Last question about Utah, did your parents enjoy the visit?
“My dad liked it, they both loved it.”
Do you have any other visits lined up?
“I’m visiting Nevada-Reno on Nov. 12. I might visit some other schools after the season.”
Which schools do you have in mind?
“Right now, Washington State, Colorado, and Colorado State. If I get other offers that could change.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now but have not offered?
“I’m getting interest from BYU, Washington, Arizona State, and Kansas State.”
Darren, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of our season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Hall family; Darren Hall at Utah (Sept. 10, 2016).
Photo credit: Hall family; Darren Hall in action (2016).