It was 17 degrees in Laramie, Wyo., on Wednesday afternoon at the time Reseda High defensive end Alonzo Hall was announcing Wyoming as his college choice. The Reseda gym was freezing, so that might have been a sign Hall would choose Wyoming over Arizona State and Fresno State.
“I’m used to it,” the 6-foot-5, 245-pound senior said of the cold weather.
Hall came to Los Angeles about two years ago from Philadelphia. His mother had died. His grandmother had died. Lori Johnson, the mother of Ja’lani Ellison, then a star at Reseda, took him in. Now Ellison, a defensive back, and Hall will be reunited in Wyoming.
Across the Southland, dozens of high school seniors were signing letters of intent and celebrating with coaches, family and teammates.
Hall had to overcome plenty to make it to college, including family tragedy and gaining enough NCAA credits to reach college.
“We made it,” he told the crowd in the gym.
He’ll be leaving soon for Wyoming, but he won’t forget his experience in Southern California.
“It’s an integral part of my life,” he said. “It’s made me the person I am today.”
He had 15 ½ sacks last season. The fact that he’ll go on to play college football is evidence that recruiters will find players anywhere if they have the grades, character, talent and passion to succeed.
One of the last remaining uncommitted players, standout running back Jordan Wilmore of Lawndale, announced he has selected Utah as his college choice. He had been committed to USC at one point.