Lake Oconee Academy’s football program has only been around for a few years, but some players have already benefited from its start.
Rising senior Ja’Quon Hall is the most recent example of a Titan to get some action on the recruiting trail to play at the next level.
Less than a month ago, Hall received an offer from Sewanee: The University of the South, a Division III school in Tennessee. It was his first collegiate offer, and Hall told the Lake Oconee News that he was blessed to be considered for it.
“It was one day a couple of weeks ago, and my coach gave me a call and told me that the Sewanee coach was going to talk to me over the phone later,” Hall said. “When he gave me the call, he offered me a spot on the team, and I couldn’t have been more grateful. It’s really a blessing to be able to achieve this, and I hope there’s more to come.”
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Hall is an athletic lineman who plays on both sides of the ball and is eager to take his talents to college.
Last season, Hall was one of the main run-stoppers on the Titans’ defensive line. He made multiple tackles for loss throughout the season and consistently pressured the quarterback in passing situations.
Furthermore, Hall played as a tackle on the Titans’ offensive line. His quickness has not only helped him get off from the line of scrimmage but it’s also been important for the many times he’s had to either pull block or reach block a defender on the outside.
Even though he primarily plays as a lineman, Hall’s versatility has also allowed him to get snaps in the backfield as an up back. Whether that was to clear a hole for his running back or get the yardage necessary for results, he’s done it.
Hall has been playing football since he was 7 years old and acknowledged it’s been the hard work and dedication that’s brought him this far.
“I’ve been playing since the 7-8-year-old division of rec ball but ended up taking a break in middle school,” Hall said. “I transferred to Lake Oconee Academy heading into high school, and I was on the field working to better my skills and in the weight room to get my body where it needs to be and my mind right.”
Lake Oconee Academy head coach Patrick Stewart has been able to watch Hall grow over the past year and a half, and he believes Hall has the right attitude heading into his final season with the Titans.
“Ja’Quon is a great football player and an even better young man. His dream is to play at the next level, and I think he’ll be able to do just that,” Stewart said. “He has incredible athleticism and more importantly, the attitude to always get better. There are other guys in the locker room that want to do the same thing, and seeing Ja’Quon get an offer has given them more hope and excitement about this upcoming season.”
Since receiving an offer from the Tigers, Hall has attended other collegiate camps in hopes of getting more recognition.
During his camps at Berry College and Georgia Tech, Hall has been showing recruiters his athleticism by participating in events like the 40-yard dash, broad jump, and other agility drills.
Ultimately, Hall has his options open as the Titans head into the first game of the regular season in a couple of months, and he just wants to take this time to get better and achieve some goals he has set for his final year at Lake Oconee Academy.
“One of the main things I want to help the team with is getting our first positive season. Last year we finished at 4-6, and I think we’ll be even more prepared this year,” Hall said. “I think we’ll be able to get LOA its first winning season, but more importantly, I just want to get better and help my teammates get better.”