David Hale really made a name for himself
this week. He performed well in the East/West Shrine
practices. He is a player to keep an eye on during this game
and at the Scouting Combine. Hale played right tackle at Weber
State. He was named an All-American at Division I AA this
season.
Alex Khvatov: What
has your experience been like so far at the East/West Shrine
practices?
David Hale:
In general, it has been
humbling. In the conference where I played, guys were slower.
Everyone is good here. You have to be on your game. You have
to be ready for whatever. It is a lasting memory for sure. It
has been fun
Alex Khvatov: Who is
the best player that you faced during this week?
David Hale:
Umm, The two Texas
guys. Those two players are strong. They have great hands. I
am a tackle, so I go up against them only in the run game. I
feel bad for guards and centers that have to face them in one on
one drills.
Alex Khvatov: What
does it feel like to be surrounded by so many talented seniors?
David Hale:
First and foremost, it
has been fun. There are hardly any mistakes with these guys.
It was just right off the bat; there was no time for error.
Here, you are just another man. Everyone is good.
Alex Khvatov: What
have you learned about yourself this week?
David Hale:
I am just thankful for
what I have. We visited the Shrine's hospital on Sunday. I am
thankful that I haven't had a rough childhood and no injuries.
You realize that every play is special because you don't know
when it won't be there any more.
Alex Khvatov:
East/West Shrine Game is being held in Houston, Texas, what do
you think of the city?
David Hale:
My wife and her mom
arrived in the city yesterday and went to the mall across the
street. There were in awe. I haven't seen much of the city. I
grew up in a little farming community in Ogden, Utah. This is
just a big city with a lot of hustle and bustle.
Alex Khvatov: What is
you current height, weight and forty time?
David Hale:
I am 6'5", 309 and I
have never been timed in a 40.
Alex Khvatov: How are
you preparing for the Scouting Combine?
David Hale:
I am training with Jason
Bell in Park City, Utah. He has been a conditioning coach at a
few colleges and trains a lot of players for the Scouting
Combine. My emphasis is on speed and technique. I am working
on the little things. I am just getting ready for the agility
drills and strength workouts that I will have to do.
Alex Khvatov: What
schools expressed interest in you when you were coming out of
high school?
David Hale:
Weber State and Southern
Utah offered me a full scholarship. University of Utah and BYU
offered me partial scholarships.
Alex Khvatov: What
made you choose Weber State?
David Hale:
I had three brothers
that played football at Weber State. A lot of my family members
graduated from there. It is just a family tradition. My family
was able to come to a lot of my games.
Alex Khvatov: What do
you have to say about your level of competition?
David Hale:
Like I said, the size is
pretty much the same. The biggest difference is the speed.
Everything is a step or two faster during these practices. The
speed is a lot quicker, and these players don't make mistakes.
Alex Khvatov: What
are your strengths as a football player?
David Hale:
Ahh, just knowing the
game. I study the game. I got a little nasty streak. I will
go all the way to the whistle.
Alex Khvatov: What
are your weaknesses?
David Hale:
My pad level and being
technically sound all the time.
Alex Khvatov: What
was your favorite team growing up?
Alex Khvatov: Who is
your favorite player?
David Hale:
My favorite player
growing up was Tony Boselli. He was really smooth out there. I
loved to watch Kevin Gogan. He was nasty. I loved to watch Ed
McCaffrey play. He was a skinny, white guy with incredible
toughness.
Alex Khvatov: Who is
the best player that you have faced during your college career?
David Hale:
When I was a sophomore,
I went up against Garrett McIntyre who was a defensive end from
Fresno State. He just had a motor. He never stayed blocked for
too long. He never quit on any play.
Alex Khvatov: Who is
the one underclassman on your team that we should keep an eye on
in the future?
David Hale:
Fullback
Marcus Mailei. He is an
all-around athlete. He can play running back and catch the ball
in the play-action game. He played rugby and running back in
high school. He was offered to play rugby professionally out of
high school. He decided to come to Weber State. He is a
humble, quiet Polynesian kid. He pancakes whoever he is
blocking. He puts his player into the ground.
Alex Khvatov: You
have received accolades over your career, which one means the
most to you?
David Hale:
Just the fact that I was
invited to this game and the scouting game. I also received a
Kevin Lapa award last year. He was a football player that
battled through cancer here at Weber State the last two years of
his career and he died. It is an award given to a tough kid
that overcomes adversity.
Alex Khvatov: What
are your hobbies?
David Hale:
After the season, I went
duck hunting for four weeks straight with my dog. I spend time
with my wife. I have been married for six months. I like to go
ice fishing as well with my wife.
Alex Khvatov: What do
you want to do after football?
David Hale:
Umm. It just depends how
football works out. I can get my teaching certificate and
become a high school teacher and coach. Maybe I will become a
DEA agent because I major in Criminal Justice.
Alex Khvatov: Finish
the sentence, David Hale is:.
David Hale:
Just off the field, I am an easy-going,
patient guy. I am the nicest, gentlest giant. I am willing to
hear anyone. On the field, my dial turns off a little bit. I
turn into another person. I would describe myself as a prick on
the field. That is the way I was taught to play the game.
