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.
St Francis QB Darius Perrantes,family and coach Jim Bonds as he signs with University of Rhode Island. @latsondheimer @SGVNSports @Tarek_Fattal pic.twitter.com/FSNmHiRw8T
— James Escarcega (@James_Escarcega) February 6, 2019
National signing day is here and our Huskies that will be signing today: DL Drake Jackson USC
— Corona Centennial FB (@Cen10Football) February 6, 2019
LB Sivi Nomura USC
DL Malik Surlock Air Force
OL Stephen Iles Air Force
DB Jayden Williams USC
Oaks Christian softball standout Maya Brady, the niece of Tom Brady, signs with UCLA. AD Jan Heathcock looks happy. pic.twitter.com/xT0z6Js2AB
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) February 6, 2019
Banning Pilot Football congratulates OLine Jesus Garcia! Today he signs with Azusa Pacific University to further his education and athletic career. We are proud of you Jesus! Once a Pilot, Always a Pilot! #PilotPride Great Day to be a Pilot! B🏠 pic.twitter.com/gmVavFPHRm
— Banning Football (@Pilot_FB) February 6, 2019
National Signing Day! Wow! @boscofootball pic.twitter.com/YzLwYn2CdU
— Bosco Athletics (@sjbathletics) February 6, 2019
.@BYUfootball - It’s official, San Juan Hills DE CADE ALBRIGHT IS A COUGAR! 🔵⚪️BYU⚪️🔵 gets the All-Everything QB Killer out of the Badlands🔥Congrats @CadeAlbright 🔥#NoBetterPlace #RFTB #BuiltAtTheBadlands pic.twitter.com/560sj3oH3x
— SJH Football (@sjhhsfootball) February 6, 2019
OFFICIAL ✍️
— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) February 6, 2019
Welcome to UCLA, Mike Martinez! #NSD19 | #GoBruins pic.twitter.com/4jdl1dVCt1
Congratulations to all of the Cavaliers who have signed their NLI this year. pic.twitter.com/kOOu0FHQaW
— Serra Athletics (@serrasports) February 6, 2019
Official! pic.twitter.com/4HhkNSvmPO
— Official Notre Dame Knights Football (@NDknightsFB) February 6, 2019
IE ➡️ LA
— 1550 Sports (@1550sports) February 6, 2019
USC is looking pretty good for next season 👀 pic.twitter.com/cjBVjeg6Xg
St. Margaret's signing day. pic.twitter.com/HcdCdNdJ9l
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) February 6, 2019
Santa Ana High is proud of our 10 football players going on to compete in college, and we thank Coach T and our amazing coaching staff for going the extra mile!@ocvarsity @OCSportsZone @ocvarsityguy @SteveFryer @latsondheimer pic.twitter.com/addxoSR8xO
— sahssaints (@BrianLillie9) February 6, 2019
It’s official baby Let’s Go Aggs!!!! pic.twitter.com/0LjXkHN3xe
— Sean Harlston (@SeanHarlston1) February 6, 2019
One of the most decorated student/athletes in Orange County history. Isabella D’Aquila
— JSerraAthletics (@JSerraAthletics) February 6, 2019
Girls Soccer: signed with Santa Clara. pic.twitter.com/oz3IKNsTEd
Congrats to our eight student-athletes who were recognized during today’s Signing Day Ceremony! Richard Krebs (Football), Alex Chavez, Brett Lux, Kyle Pearce, Zuriel Silva, Chad Sinclair (Soccer), Christian Oviedo (Volleyball), Jack Dunbar (Water Polo). #credo #ForeverAFriar pic.twitter.com/108NMCTra7
— Servite Athletics (@ServiteSports) February 7, 2019
Congratulations, once again, to Luke Spillane(UCI) and AaronCasillas(Cal State Bakersfield) on their opportunity to pursue their lifelong dream of playing College Baseball. @ocvarsity @LesLukach @PBR_California @latsondheimer pic.twitter.com/QZEUAcCLJq
— Mission Viejo Baseball (@BaseballMVHS) February 6, 2019
