One of the most instinctive players in the past few seasons in college football, Erick Hallett from the University of Pittsburgh, gave me a few minutes to talk about his college experience, his next steps, and what he likes to do to escape the game.
My opinion — Erick is a man who has his priorities in place and will go the extra mile to achieve his goals.
Pat Schuster: What advice would you give players starting their college experience this August?
Erick Hallett: Trust the process. Do the extra now, so you don’t have to do it later.
Pat: At what age did you fall in love with football?
Erick: I would say early on, I played to be with my friends, but when I turned 14, maybe 15 years old I really started loving it regardless of who I played with on the field.
Pat: What are your official size, weight, and forty-yard dash?
Erick: I am 5-9, 198 pounds, and run a 4.42.
Pat: How did you come to select Pittsburgh to continue playing? What school finished second?
Erick: Early on, I had strong feelings for both Tulane and Washington State, but then I was asked to visit Pittsburgh.
They wanted me to meet with the new defensive coordinator, Randy Bates, and I liked what he had to say. So here I am, and I never regretted the decision.
Pat: What other sports did you play in high school?
Erick: I ran track and played some basketball.
Pat: What is your memory of your first starting assignment (as a cornerback) against Syracuse in 2019?
Erick: Not a great memory as it was the game I received my first concussion, but I did start as a redshirt freshman, so that felt good.
Pat: If a scout asked for your best game film, which game film would you give him?
Erick: In the 2022 season, I would say against Miami (two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery) and Western Michigan (two interceptions).
In 2021 I would say against Wake Forest in the ACC Championship game (two interceptions).
Pat: What are your thoughts on playing special teams?
Erick: I LOVE IT! It was a way to get on the field and play at Pittsburgh.
Pat: How was playing in the Hula Bowl this year?
Erick: It was a lot of fun playing with different people, learning some NFL defenses, and meeting with teams.
Pat: Who is the player on the team we should keep an eye on for the upcoming season?
Erick: Marquis Williams, DB #14.
Pat: Who was the best player you faced in college?
Erick: Josh Downs from North Carolina. We had some friendly battles.
Pat: What current or former NFL player do you model your game after?
Erick: I always looked to Earl Thomas for his play on the field. He played instinctively, and I feel his overall play on the field is very similar to my style of play.
Pat: How do you get away from football for a break?
Erick: I enjoy painting. It is something my mother introduced me to a few years ago. I also enjoy reading — another activity inspired by her as well. I like self-help books and am constantly looking for ways to improve myself as a player, person, son, and friend.
Follow Erick on Twitter as he prepares for the NFL Draft.
