Talented squad led by talented QB

Dallas (Texas) Skyline HS may be one of the most talented programs in the country. Before the first day of April, Skyline already had players in the class of 2010 committed to Michigan, Oklahoma, LSU and Texas A&M with more highly touted players in the wings. Among those first four commitments, three of them are offensive skill players and while their talent speaks for itself, they wouldn't be where they are without the quarterback to get them the ball.

Javia Hall is that quarterback. While players around him have been garnering offers left and right, Hall has continued to go about his business, much like he did as a junior when he threw for 1,379 yards and 18 touchdowns. While splitting time last season, Hall has been working on getting stronger so that he is ready to take over as the full-time starter in 2009.

"At the end of the season, I've gained weight," Hall said. "My playing weight during my junior season was 165. I weighted in last week at 180. It's treating me better. My bench max went up and my squat max went up."

The new weight is an important emphasis for Hall this offseason as he prepares to play under center every down.

"I wanted to pick up my weight and my strength so that I can be ready since I'm taking a full load with the carries and passing," he said. "I want to be able to play 16 games because I don't think I could have taken it at 165 pounds."

Last season, Hall was more of the passing quarterback and had a complement that would be more of the running threat under center. This year he is fired up at the opportunity to fully take over the reins.

"I'm very excited because this year we got a lot of returning letterman," he said. "A lot of our seniors have been playing varsity so we have experience. I've been playing varsity since I was a freshman. I've been reading coverages since I was in 8th grade. I'm very excited about this because there aren't too many defenses I haven't seen."

Hall's talents were on display recently at the Fort Worth Elite 11 regional workout. Hall, according to nearly everyone in attendance, was one of the top performers and most accurate quarterbacks at the event. That success along with watching his teammates get loads of offers has been an encouraging motivator for him.

"Seeing my friends that I've been knowing since middle school commit like this, that just brings it out of me more to make me work twice as hard every day," he said. "No disrespect to them because they're great athletes but that makes me work a lot harder because I know that I'm as good as they are."

Though he has no offers yet, Hall has been gaining serious attention from several programs.

"I know San Diego State," he said. "I receive a lot of mail from Ole Miss, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri. I've spoken with Kansas and San Diego State."

This spring, Hall plans to attend the Baylor camp this summer and also may fly to Kansas to visit the Lawrence, Kan. campus at some point. Following his performance at the TCU Elite 11, Hall may see more opportunities present themselves.