Football: Two-minute drill with UL’s Hall Davis

Joshua Parrott • jparrott@theadvertiser.com • August 8, 2008  

Hall Davis focused on two things this past summer: Eating and lifting.

The end result was a weight gain of more than 30 pounds for the junior defensive end from Port Allen. He entered UL’s preseason football camp this week atop the depth chart as he looks to become a full-time starter for the first time with the Ragin’ Cajuns.

The soft-spoken Davis talked with The Daily Advertiser after Thursday’s practice about what he did this summer, his future plans and why he signed with UL.

Question: What’s the best thing about being back in practice?

Answer: I put on a lot of weight (in the offseason), so I’m ready to see how I carry it. I’m still working on my endurance, but I feel like my speed is the same as it was before I gained all that weight.

Q: The 2007 media guide listed you at 214 pounds last season, which is light for a college defensive end. Exactly how much did you weigh at the end of last season? How much do you weigh now and what did you do to get there?

A: Last year at the end of the season I would say that I was around 230 pounds. Now I’m between 260 and 265. I really made a large contribution when we went on break before summer school. I got a membership at the YCMA, so I worked out every day. I ate like five times a day. I ate a lot of carbs.

Q: Last season you appeared in all 12 games and logged 11 tackles, including 1.5 for loss. What did you work on improving the most during the offseason?

A: The one thing I wanted to focus on was putting on weight. It was tough taking on blocks at 230 (pounds). My goal was 260, and I made my goal.

Q: As a player at University High in Baton Rouge, you played wide receiver, defensive end and safety. Which position did you like playing the most?

A: It’s hard to say. I liked playing defensive end and receiver. I guess I would say defensive end because I don’t like to get hit. I like to hit somebody instead of somebody hitting me.

Q: At UL you wear No. 93. Why did you pick that jersey number?

A: I didn’t really have a choice. That was the number I was given. Since they gave it to me I just never decided to change it.

Q: What is your main individual goal you hope to accomplish this season?

A: My top individual goal is to lead the team in tackles. I want to contribute to the team anyway they need me.

Q: Everybody has something that you wouldn’t know by just looking at them. What is something most people don’t know about you?

A: Actually my dad owns three funeral homes in Baton Rouge. Anytime I get a chance to go home I go and work with him.

Q: As a senior at University High, you logged 10 sacks and more than 100 tackles to earn all-District 8-2A honors. How did you end up playing at UL?

A: I wasn’t highly recruited coming out of high school. I looked at UL, Southern University and Northwestern State. They all offered me scholarships, but I decided to come here. I just liked everything UL showed me and offered me. Everything they said they were working on for the future.

Q: Most athletes pattern their game after their favorite players. Which players do you admire and why?

A: I’d have to say Reggie White. We play the same position. He’s also spiritual. He had a relationship with God. That’s the type of role I want to follow.

Q: At some point you will have to give up football. What are your dreams for after football?

A: Like I said earlier, my dad owns a funeral home. It’s actually a family business. He took over after my grandfather died, and I plan on doing the same thing.