The Jaylon Hall Recruitment
Two official visits helped Jaylon Hall (Doss HS) make an educated decision about higher education. First, Youngstown State (9/8/2016) hosted Hall. Despite a hospitable, informative visit Hall returned home unsure. “I don’t know,” said Jaylon Hall. “I really just wanted…
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Continue ReadingTwo official visits helped Jaylon Hall (Doss HS) make an educated decision about higher education.
First, Youngstown State (9/8/2016) hosted Hall. Despite a hospitable, informative visit Hall returned home unsure.
“I don’t know,” said Jaylon Hall. “I really just wanted to wait. After the Wright State official I felt the same way. I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do. I talked with my family. They basically told me to weigh my options and make sure I didn’t miss out on anything.”
Wright State’s recruitment simmered a little longer, a little louder. After his October 2nd official visit, Jaylon Hall considered the Raiders more distinctly. The visit helped his hazy picture of the program find detail.
“I knew that Wright State stuck out to me, but I didn’t want to tell anybody,” said Hall.
Former Contenders
Hall fondly remembers mild recruiting contact last spring from Marquette and Temple.
“I was really excited when they called my father,” said Hall. “I was kind of disappointed because during July LIVE period I switched AAU teams. That kind of hurt my recruitment too cause it was hard for me to go a new team.”
Though Jaylon Hall ran with WKY Elite in the spring his role and contributions changed with his July squad, the Louisville Magic.
“I feel like that kind of hurt me,” said Hall. “I wished those two schools would have stayed. I was with WKY Elite, a Bowling Green AAU team. In July period I went and played with Louisville Magic.”
During July Youngstown State was consistently on hand. Wright State spent the time evaluating Hall and other players.
“I heard from Youngstown State, Wright State, EKU, WKU, Murray State, Lincoln Memorial,” said Hall. “I got a call from Marquette. I got a call from Temple. That is about it.”
When July wrapped Jaylon Hall was excited to find what his fishing net hauled in.
“Once my last AAU game was played (Wright State) started communicating with me,” said Hall. “Once preseason started, they came and watched me practice with the team. Then they offered me on sight. That really stood out to me because it was only my second offer. It was the week right after I came back from my official visit to Youngstown State.”
Hall’s interest in Wright State popped up immediately. He loved the consistent push and began looking up information on the Horizon League program.
“What stood out to me is that they were honest with me the whole time.”
Jaylon Hall appreciated the sincerity of the WSU staff. They didn’t promise him the world.
He didn’t like “schools that didn’t come out and immediately tell me what my role would be as a freshman.”
Hall wanted to know if he was going to possibly redshirt or maybe be a true freshman. More often in football, the teasing of a scholarship can keep intrigued recruits in an unenviable, metaphorical waiting room. Jaylon Hall liked knowing what Wright State wanted from him and where he stood throughout the process.
Closure
Mid-January Jaylon decided Wright State was the pick. He announced his commitment on Twitter and looks forward to signing with the Raiders in April.
“They are doing pretty good right now,” said Hall. “They lost to NKU. I attended that game last Saturday (2/4). They are doing pretty good as a team. They are struggling without a true 1-2 that can handle and make good decisions. Besides that they have all the pieces to be a NCAA contender.”
While watching the Wright State Raiders, Hall sees how he can help. He is able to envision a role for himself and it matches their vocalized vision.
“They tell me they like me as a combo guard, because I can score and create for my teammates,” said Hall. “They want me to be the on the ball.”
The WSU Class of 2017 signees include Jaylon Hall and Tyler Mitchell (Ohio). The class still needs a big to replace a couple of transfers. Already maturing, Hall will get a real lesson in personal accountability and structuring his college life from WSU senior-to-be Grant Benzinger.
Benzinger is one of the program leaders under first-year WSU Head Coach Scott Nagy.
The marriage introduces a young, talented player to a young, talented coaching staff. It becomes official in April.