2024 Interview with quarterback Brody Hall from West Portsmouth

 

Brody Hall

West Portsmouth 

Quarterback 

2026

6'0", 187 lbs

I always dreamed of going to Ohio State or UCLA.

What do you believe will be the biggest difference for you as far as going from JV to varsity?

I believe the speed of the game will be different; just everything developing and coming at me at a new level will for sure be different, but I trust my teammates and coaches, so I believe it will be different, but it should be a fairly easy adjustment.

In the last couple of seasons, West has had some solid players in the QB slot. What have you been able to learn from them that you are using to be a better player?

Mitchell for sure showed how to be a leader; he obviously led our team to the SOC title my freshman year, and it was fun being able to learn from him and have him and that group be who I got to learn from. Cole also showed a great deal of toughness and resilience; he took some tough shots in a few games, and to see him just jump right back up for sure sets with me. Also, just the plain fact of how he stepped up to play quarterback for us after not playing the position for a long time, I find that amazing in itself, and I hold a lot of respect for him because of that.

How does your game differ from the two previous quarterbacks that have led West the last two seasons?

I’ve always been a guy who prefers to pass the ball. I also try my best to be smart and have good decision-making on the field. I have been working on my speed and things so I can be efficient in all aspects of my game, but I am for sure a more technical, pro-style quarterback if you will, but I am for sure working on my run game as well. I always thought of it as an Aaron Rodger’s type of play style. I obviously want to be able to get the ball into the hands of my skilled guys, but I can be efficient with my feet if need be.

You had an injury last season. Can you let the readers know what the injury was and how rehab went?

Yea, I fractured my growth plate in the elbow of my right arm, which put me out for a solid 6 weeks. Being in the cast wasn’t fun, but I just trusted God through all of it, and he got me through it like he always does, and I have come back even stronger since.

What are you going to miss the most from the 2024 class?

That group of seniors was definitely a fun group, with tons of talent and just some cool guys to be around. I for sure had fun with those guys; it was not another class that I would like to have spent my underclass years with.

What part of your game do you feel you need to improve on the most to become a better quarterback?

I want to continue improving speed and footwork. My dad has trained me from a very young age on how to throw the ball, so that area is not my main focus of my game right now, but obviously I’m always finding ways to improve upon the base I have with throwing. For speed and footwork, I’ve been going to a place called AP Prep, and they are for sure helping with that cause, as well as strength and explosiveness.

What have you been doing during the off-season to aid you in becoming a better quarterback?

I’ve been in the weightroom with the team for sure, and we’ve been getting after it every day, but after that, I usually go hit the field and get some throws in with some of the guys, then I’ll go to track practice and get my running in. On weekends, I go to AP prep.

What are your goals heading into the 2024 season?

Personally, I want to win the starting job. But I also want to be a great leader for the team, a guy who shows positivity no matter how hard it gets. I also want to lead my guys to an undefeated season and an SOC title, and I know for sure the rest of the guys want that just as bad as I do.

Which game are you looking most forward to this season? Explain

Fairland or Wheelersburg. 

Fairland, mainly because of the way it’s been the past couple years; they have beat us twice in a row, and we’re ready to end that streak. 

Wheelersburg is always the biggest game of the year. The atmosphere is amazing and always fun to be a part of. I’m really excited to be on the field and participate in it now.

What is the toughest part of a West practice?

Definitely the team periods. Both physically and mentally demanding, we’re always out there trying to sharpen our game as much as possible. Our goal is to be as efficient as possible.

What is your favorite part of a West practice?

On offensive days, we usually have a 7-on-7 period where we focus on our pass game, and I’ve always really enjoyed throwing the ball and breaking down a defense. I get to do that during that period. 

Do you feel that private schools have an unfair advantage over public schools?

I believe that is the perception, and it does give them an advantage. I do agree. But I also believe that a big part of this sport, specifically, is the hard work and commitment of a team. I do believe that a team that completely dedicates themselves and works as hard as possible can beat any team, even the ones with recruits. And, as the past has shown, many local public schools have made great runs and won big games. Including us.

Do you play any other sports for West? If so, which ones?

Yes, I have picked up track this past year.
This year, I made the decision to not play the lifelong sport of baseball and figured I would try something new. 

What is your favorite class or subject?

PE would be an obvious answer, but a lot of people say that doesn’t exactly count as a class, so I would have to say science. I’ve always been an interactive learner, and science classes always have the most interactive aspects, so I would have to say science is my favorite.

Who is your role model?

Definitely Tim Tebow. I would love to model my public image after him. His faith and work ethic have always stood out to me. But especially with how outgoing he is in his faith in God, I try my best every day to spread God's light in any way possible. He did that very well when he played, and he still does today.

I also have to give my parents credit. My mom has worked extremely hard for as long as I can remember to give me the best possible life, and my dad has always pushed me athletically and has played a huge part in where I am today. I love them and thank them greatly for everything they have done.