Louisiana Football: Interview with Benton 2021 LB Ashur Hall
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Ashur Hall had a monster season for Benton High School in 2019. The junior linebacker helped lead the Tigers to the playoffs in their first season playing at the 5A level by racking up 101 total tackles including 16 for a loss, six sacks, 14 quarterback hurries with one interception which he returned for a touchdown.
The 6’0”, 220-pound, play-maker has tremendous speed and a great nose for the football as he makes huge plays for his team all over the gridiron. This Class of 2021 prospect has already shined at several college camps and his recruitment is trending upward as he is receiving interest from several colleges in the region.
Hall is not only a star on the football field but also in the weight room. All will come together for Hall as he will use his tremendous play-making abilities for another great season with the Benton Tigers in 2020.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Ashur to discuss his career at Benton High School and his recruiting process.
Interview
Ashur, what are your thoughts on the 2019 season as a whole?
“It was a good season. It was our first year in 5A, but I think we showed we belong by making the playoffs.”
How would you grade your individual performance and why in your junior season?
“B-plus. I believe in a strong work ethic and always finding ways to improve as a player and a team.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“I played running back from seven-years-old to the ninth grade, so I think that helped strengthen my instincts and awareness of where the ball carrier is going or what the play may be.”
What kind of challenges did you face last season?
“I injured my AC joint (shoulder) in the first half against Captain Shreve. I played the last four games with one good arm.”
How did you overcome this challenge?
“I trusted my teammates to have my back. We had multiple injuries on defense this season and a different person stepped up when needed.”
Did you receive any individual honors?
“First team All-District, first team All-Parish, and second team All-City.”
What was your most memorable moment last year?
“There’s a few. I had a pick-six against Parkway and we got the first 1-5A district win in school history against Southwood. But the thing that sticks out most is the road game at Natchitoches Central. We needed a win and a prayer to get in the playoffs. We came together as team and overcame more injuries that game to pull out the win. We became the first team in Benton history to make playoffs in 5A.”
What are you working on the most this offseason?
“I’m not much of a 7-on-7 guy, but this summer I’m looking forward to it so I can improve in pass coverage.”
What do you like most about playing linebacker?
“I love being in the middle of it all. I love leading and competing with my guys. Most of all, I love the hits.”
Is there a current NFL player that you like modeling your game after?
“It has to be Devin White. He is a small-town guy who put in the work to achieve his dream and hasn’t forgotten where he came from.”
What schools are showing you interest at this time?
“I’ve received the most interest from Central Arkansas, Louisiana-Monroe, Tulane and Stephen F. Austin.”
Have you been to any college camps?
“Yes sir; Texas A&M-Commerce, Baylor and SMU. I’m hoping to attend seven to 10 camps this summer.”
What was your favorite camp and why?
“The SMU camp was a blast. It was a full evaluation. The drills and one-on-ones were really competitive.”
What are your maxes in the weight room?
“My bench max is 275, my power clean max is 280, and my max squat is 435.”
What is your fastest 40-yard dash time?
“4.6.”
What is your GPA?
“2.5 and on the rise.”
Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?
““Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13.”
Thank you for your time and good luck in your senior season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Sally Calloway; Benton LB Ashur Hall makes a tackle against Airline
Photo credit: Sally Calloway; Benton LB Ashur Hall