Springdale Har-Ber defensive end Jake Hall’s play and hard work paid off when he received a scholarship offer from Arkansas.
Hall, 6-5, 230 pounds along with his parents visited with Razorback Coach Bret Bielema on Wednesday night and was informed of the offer.
“For five months straight, starting in January I got up at 5:30 in the morning and did CrossFit,” Hall said. “Immediately after leaving there I would go work out for two hours at school. Then after school I would go to speed training until 6:30.”
An Arkansas Democrat-Gazette preseason All Arkansas selection, Hall has recorded 44 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a pass deflection, a forced fumble and a recovered fumble this season. Hall also has offers from Cincinnati and Louisiana -Monroe along with interest from Oklahoma State and Memphis.
Reshaping his body and his performance at Arkansas’ Prospect Camp in June impressed defensive line coach Charlie Partridge. Bielema attended the Wildcats‘ game at Bentonville a few weeks ago.
“He was really impressed how I hustled to the ball and my work ethic,” Hall said.
One play in particular was mentioned by Bielema during Wednesday’s meeting.
“I strung it out and he made a cut back and he ran forty yards down the field and I ran as hard as I could like I do every play and tracked him down,” Hall said.
National recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CBS Sports Network rates Hall a 3-star plus prospect.
“One of the most versatile big guys in the state of Arkansas” Lemming said. “Jake has what it takes to become an effective pass rusher on the next level. He can play in a three four front and looks thin at his weight. He is tenacious, tough and relentless.”
He said Bielema gave him a rundown on why the Hogs were extending an offer.
“He said coach Partridge was really impressed at camp and he loved what he saw at the Bentonville game,” Hall said. “And they wanted to offer me and they wanted me to be in their program. It was a lot of excitement and a lot of relief.”
Hall said his focus is on tonight's game against Rogers
"After that I’ll talk to my parents about it and go from there,” Hall said.
Could he commit to the Hogs after the game?
"I’m really not sure, probably not," Hall said.