After receiving numerous interest from colleges like Oregon, UCLA, Northwestern, Boise State, the son of the G-Funk legend Nate Dogg, Naijiel Hale looks to create his on path on and off the football field. The St John Bosco junior CB is causing quite the stir amongst recruiters as he approaches his senior season.
When choosing a school, Hale looks for more than just athletics, he seeks out academics and of course the type of weather he may be playing in, during his college football days.
A typical day for Naijiel Hale consist of waking up early, rushing to school, then working out and also attending track practice. This is one very focused young man as he describes his journey, and looks ahead to his future.
Nick Hamilton (NH): St John Bosco did very well this past year, were you surprised at the success?
Naijiel Hale (NJH): No, we had alot of transfers come in to the program, so we just had to get on the same page and did so.
NH: Talk about your role and impact on this team, and the progress you saw from the beginning of the season to the end?
NJH: My role as the CB (cornerback), so as a transfer things were difficult at first. But from from week one to week eleven, I got a lot more comfortable with the system and how they ran the games at this school.
NH: What team did you circle once you were handed your schedule?
NJH: Well...it was Lakewood at first! But then that game wasn't what I expected, so the other game was (Long Beach) Poly. A game we ended up losing.
NH: What got you involved in sports, your dad Nate Dogg, being one of the pioneers of G-Funk music?
NJH: I've been a basketball player my whole life. Then when I was 12 years old, Snoop Dogg had a football team and asked my parents could they get me a football. Ever since then I played football under him.
NH: What was that life like being around your dad, Snoop, the Dogg Pound, Warren G and others during that time?
NJH: Well, they tried to hide a lot of things from me, as if nothing was going on. The times I went to the studio, I'd be in a whole different room. Then there were times I traveled with my dad, but not out of state. I would just travel locally to places like San Diego, being on stage, it was fun.
NH: Is there anyone in the NFL that you model your game after?
NJH: In the NFL....no. Tyran Matthew who was in college is who I still model my game after.
NH: Being on the radar of many schools now that include UCLA and Oregon, with the departure of Chip Kelly, has that changed your decision?
NJH: It brought it down, because anytime with a new coaching staff comes in, your recruiter may leave which can be a problem. Right now I'm just listening to everyone and their offers as I continue to prepare hard.
NH: What is it about UCLA that caught your attention?
NJH: Just growing up in Southern California, UCLA is a home school like USC is. But I looked at UCLA more so because of basketball reasons. Once I began my freshman year playing football, they [UCLA] sent me a letter stating that they'd be looking at me and are interested. I continue to follow them, they even invited me to a few games. It's a very good environment over there.
NH: Does Snoop Dogg still give you advice on and off the field still?
NJH: Not as much, but I talk to one of my coaches who's always talking to him. If I need anything, Snoop is always there.
As Naijiel Hale prepares for his senior season, with his impressive foot work and equally impressive speed to close in on opponents he is surely going to be explosive and one to watch for. This 5-11, 175 pound with his excellent work ethic and motivation, this athlete continues to blaze his trail to the next level.
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