College Programs’ Interest Grows in Hallsville’s Coby Bradford, Hayden Wall

Coby Bradford and Hayden Wall have been two key parts of Hallsville's 5-1 start, and it appears that college programs have taken notice.

Bradford, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound senior defensive end, has received a Navy offer and has gotten interest from Louisiana Tech and Texas State. Bradford would likely play linebacker at the next level.

Bradford is looking for a school where he can earn his way to playing time.

"Honestly, I'm looking at the depth chart more than anything else. I want to go somewhere I can play, but I also want it to be a challenge," Bradford said. "I don't want everything handed to me. I want to be able to take it away from somebody who's older and supposedly more experienced. ... Of course I want to go somewhere where I feel at home."

Bradford has 38 tackles, 19 for loss, and an East Texas-leading 9 1/2 sacks, in addition to 19 quarterback pressures for a Hallsville team that is 5-1 for the first time since 2004.

Bradford and Wall practice against each other every day, and both credit the other for improving week to week.

Wall, a 6-foot-4, 270-pound senior left tackle, is hoping to soon receive his first offer. Several schools have recruited him lately, including Louisiana Tech, Northwestern State, Sam Houston State, and SFA.

"I'm hearing from some schools," he said. "It's getting fun. ... I'm looking where I can play and get a good education that's not too far so my parents can still come see me play."

Bradford, Wall, and the Bobcats visit rival Pine Tree on Friday. Hallsville has won five consecutive games after a season-opening loss at Whitehouse.