When people think about the state of Alaska, they would likely be quick to mention outdated stereotypes ranging from igloos to dogsleds.
These misconceptions can hamper the recruitment of high school athletes in Alaska, leaving a difficult path for those seeking a chance to play in college. For sophomore lineback Ed Hall, this meant he needed to explore other avenues to gain exposure from college coaches.
“Football is up there and it’s competitive, but it just doesn’t have the same fire down here,” Hall said. “I didn’t have much exposure coming out of Alaska, I had to attend some camps down in the Lower 48.”
Hall spent his senior year at Eagle River High School traveling to camps throughout the Northwest hoping to receive an offer. But it was through a mutual connection that Hall was introduced to Idaho head coach Paul Petrino.
“My friend Jeavante Dunn was playing here and he led me to Moscow,” Hall said. “I looked up their mechanical engineering program and it was really good, so I put them down on the list.”
Despite earning MVP recognition during the North-South Shrine Football Classic, as well as conference and state honors, Hall was told he would need to join the team as a walk-on in 2014. He said he made the decision to attend the University of Idaho because of the surrounding community.
“Eagle River is kind of a small town and Moscow is too,” Hall said. “I just came down here and it felt like home. I didn’t want to live in a big city at all, and a lot of the other schools I was looking at were far from home. I’m actually glad I ended up here compared to anywhere else.”
The Vandal linebacker said one of the toughest transitions to the collegiate level has been balancing the demands of football with an academic workload.
“It’s tough, you have to put in time for both,” he said. “Sometimes it seems like football has more (time), sometimes it seems like engineering has way more (time). Group projects seem to come one after the other, and it feels like there can be too much homework. But I find a way to get all of it done.”
On the gridiron, Hall slowly developed into a key component in the Idaho defense. After redshirting with the Vandals during the 2014 season, the linebacker saw the field in all 12 games the following year, finishing with 30 total tackles and two forced fumbles.
Hall said the team’s breakout season has motivated members to pursue even more success in the upcoming year.
“We have goals this year to win a bowl game, win the conference and go undefeated at home,” he said.
With the season opener Thursday, Hall said he already feels prepared to walk into the Kibbie Dome.
“We’re already excited, I’m trying to get to the game right now,” he said. “Our bodies are feeling good and (Coach) Petrino has been doing a great job of keeping our legs fresh. We need more time for preparation and stuff, but if we had to play the game today then I’d be ready.”
Josh Grissom can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @GoshJrissom