2017 Rancho Cucamonga DB Darren Hall is Grabbing a Share of the Bright Cougars Spotlight

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The level of high school football talent seems to grow a little bit year after year across the nation. Having a “stacked” team use to mean an automatic deep run into a given state’s playoffs with a championship trophy spot already cleared off in the school’s lobby. Such is not the case anymore, especially in California.

During the 2015 season Rancho Cucamonga had as much depth and talent at key areas on both sides of the ball but still finished the season 9-4. The Cougars were stocked on offense with Class of 2016 running back Aaron Manning (Northern Arizona) and quarterback Angel Matute. On defense the Cougars had Justin Johnson, Cameron Smith, and Lane Haywood to help lead the way. The 9-4 record and falling one game short of a California High School Championship is not an indictment on the players or coaches, nor their talent or effort. It just goes to show how tough high school football is throughout the Golden State each year.

If 2015 was not the year for Rancho Cucamonga, 2016 very well could be the season they bring the hardware home. The Cougars were gifted with talented Class of 2017 skill position players who could be the difference makers during their senior season. The speed and athleticism in the secondary and at wide receiver is more than impressive, it is overwhelming. Two-way wide receivers/defensive backs Thomas Graham Jr. (USC) and Jaylon Redd (uncommitted) are already considered 4-star recruits with a chance to bump up their stock during the summer camp circuit. Tayari Venable is a 3-star two-way player already committed to Washington State but is seeing his recruiting stock soar in recent weeks and should continue to do so throughout the rest of the year.

The fourth member of the talented pack is finally getting his due, Darren Hall. Hall had a breakout junior season in 2015 coming up with 48 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, three pass breakups, an interception, and one blocked punt in his first year at the varsity level. The 6’1”, 165 pound, talent can mix it up at safety, as a cover corner in the nickel or run stopper off the line, or on the outside as a corner if needed.

Hall has been bypassed by recruiting services seemingly because the offers have not been there, not based off on the field talent, but those days are over. In the last week, Hall has picked up three offers from Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah starting the process of making him a “hot” recruit on college boards finally giving the hard working Class of 2017 talent his due.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Hall to cover his junior season, his offseason camp circuit, and got a recruiting news update.

Interview

Darren, Rancho Cucamonga may have the most talented secondary at the high school level in the nation in the 2017 recruiting class. What are the practices like with you, Thomas Graham, Jaylon Redd, and Tayari Venable going at it every day?

“I feel like we have the top secondary in the area. I know if I do my job right they will do their job too. We all know our roles. We all know we are going to do our jobs. We are very competitive. We all are hungry to make plays and hungry for the ball. We all have the same mentality.”

Does the talent level there serve as extra motivation for each of you to step your game up in practice every day?

“It pushes me a lot. I want to be the best that I can be. I want to be the best defensive back on the field. That is how I work and that is my motivation and mindset every day.”

Were you pleased with your season last year?

“You can always be better and you can always increase your game level.”

How did your sophomore season go for you?

“I was one of the team captains. I had 45 tackles, six pass breakups, and three interceptions my sophomore year on JV.”

Did you earn any individual honors at the end of your junior year?

“I was named Rookie of the Year for our team.”

What position will you play next season?

“I’m not sure if I will be playing corner, safety, or more of a nickel safety going up against the other team’s slot. The coaches have told me I might play more inside next year.”

As a defensive back, regardless of where you may line up, what are your strengths on the field?

“Reading plays. I pride myself on my play on the field. I’m trained by some of the best trainers out there. I feel like I have great technique, I’m good at off-coverage, great with my zone eye, and seeing plays before they come to me. I’m good at slowing the game down so I can make a play.”

You mentioned playing inside some next year. Will we see you on offense as well next season?

“Hopefully. I’ve talked to our coaches about the opportunity. They might give me some plays over there but I’ll mainly be on defense this year.”

What was your best game in 2015, against which team, and why was that your best game?

“Either the Edison or Tesoro game (both playoff game wins). Those two teams were two of the bigger passing teams we faced this year. Between the two games, I only gave up two receptions for a total of 20 yards. I was covering Tesoro’s big 6’5” receiver (Shane Coleman). I also had a hit that caused a fumble against Tesoro that stopped one of their key drives – crushed their spirit. Against Edison I had an interception. In those two games our secondary came up with nine turnovers.”

You have three offers now. Which three teams have offered you?

“Hawaii, Utah, and Nevada.”

What other schools are showing interest in you?

“BYU, Boise State, Washington State, Columbia, and Northern Arizona.”

When you have talked to the different college coaches, what are some of the things they are telling you about your game?

“The Utah coaches told me I am outstanding with my technique. They like the way I slow the game down and how I play the game. They also said that they like the way I come up and tackle and that I am a sure tackler. Most of the coaches have said they love the way I play the game.”

Did you go to any camps in 2015?

“I went to Northern Arizona, the NUC 5-Star Challenge, and a Collegiate Showcase camp.”

Do you know which camps you are going to go to coming up?

“Hopefully I’ll go to the Rivals camp and one of the Nike regional camps.”

What about college camps?

“I’m going to Washington State’s Junior Day in April and I plan on going to all of the Pac-12 and Mountain West Conference college camps in the area – any college camp that will help my future.”

What are you working on in your offseason workouts?

“I’m working on my speed and agility. I’m working on my defensive back skills and my strength. Really everything from A-Z I’m working on this offseason.”

What are your offseason workout goals?

“I want to gain 10 pounds of muscle, and get faster and stronger.”

Did you take any unofficial visits during the 2015 season?

“I went to Northern Arizona for a game day. I was invited to Southern Utah for a visit but could not get up there.”

Are you playing any spring sports for Rancho Cucamonga?

“No, I’m focused on football. I’m playing 7×7 tournaments with Rhare {sic} Breed.”

Are there any NFL players you model your game after or try to learn more about playing the game by watching them work?

“Of course Deion Sanders is the main one. With recent players, Marcus Peters with the Kansas City Chiefs. He had an outstanding rookie year. Joe Haden (Cleveland Browns) and Darrelle Revis (New York Jets) – all the top players. I watch their film to see how they read the plays. I watch to see where their eyes go and how they move and react to plays.”

That’s great. I like to find out how things are going in the classroom. Do you have a GPA you don’t mind sharing?

“I have a 3.1 overall GPA but I have a 3.8 right now.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I’m taking the ACT in March.”

It is really early, but do you have an idea of what you would like to study in college?

“Yes, journalism or accounting with a minor in business.”

Have you had an experience in your life that has inspired you with your football career?

“I thank God for the opportunities he has given me. I thank my father (Art) for helping me with football and Christ for helping me be an outstanding athlete. My dad helps push me to be better and do a little more every day.”

Darren, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Hall family; Darren before a 7×7 tournament.