Valley High School football player Noble Hall works out with the team at Valley Monday, April 15, 2013. Hall recently changed his name from Eric Burrell to Noble Hall (his father’s name) to honor his father who was killed before he was born.
Saturday, June 1, 2013 | 11:10 a.m.
Valley High 2014 defensive end Noble Hall didn’t waste time committing to the college football program he felt was the perfect fit.
San Diego State offered the 6-foot-4, 235-pound Hall a scholarship Friday night. Saturday morning, he verbally committed.
“Going there is a good fit for me because it is so close to home,” Hall said. “It is a big relief. Now, I can focus on football and keeping my grades up.”
He’s the second Las Vegas area recruit from the class of 2014 to commit, selecting the Mountain West school over offers from Army, Idaho and Northern Arizona. Green Valley High offensive tackle Tyrell Crobsy committed to Oregon in April.
Hall, who was called Eric Burrell last season before legally changing his name in the winter to honor his late father, said he always had interest in San Diego State. So, when they offered a scholarship, he briefly talked it over with his mother, and called coaches to accept.
“Some people have asked why I committed so early,” he said. “I tell them it’s my choice and I have my reasons. I just wanted to get it out of the way so I could focus (on the upcoming season.)”
He runs a 4.8-second 40-yard dash, giving him a rare combination of size and speed. He’s also still learning the game, becoming a starter on the defensive line midway through last season.
Still, he finished with 48 solo tackles (seven for a loss), 16 assisted tackles and four sacks. He also forced three fumbles, recovered two fumbles and returned an interception for a touchdown.
With room to add bulk to his frame, college coaches have told him the sky is the limit on his potential.
“They said they liked the way I played and how I was quick off the ball,” Hall said.
Last year, four players from Southern Nevada signed with San Diego State, giving the Aztecs a significant presence in Las Vegas. Former UNLV coach Jeff Horton is San Diego State’s assistant head coach and the Aztecs’ lead recruiter locally.
“It’s perfect because it is so close to home,” Hall said.
Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21.
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