It’s been a long time coming, but one of the Kansas City area’s top ranked 2024 OL prospects, Braden Hales
, is finally starting to see his recruiting heat up.
A standout performer at the Midwest Showcase on Dec. 11 at Missouri Western, Hales is a two-time selection to TheFINALS All-America Showcase, an event he dominated last Memorial Day weekend at Liberty North High School.
He has been named the KC area’s top OL prospect by Six Star Football Scout Eric Pannell and is sure to be among the state’s top prospects when the Six Star 2024 rankings are updated later this spring.
A talented tackle prospect, Hales is a 6’5, 285-pound three sport athlete who earned all-satte honors last season for his work at left tackle. He drew his first NCAA Division I offer from Colorado State on Feb. 22 and additional offers from Lehigh, Air Force and Lindewnood.
Six Star Football recently caught up with Hales and asked him about his offseason and recent recruiting.
☑️SHOWCASE EVENTS Six Star Football will be hosting the Oklahoma Showcase on April 2 in Broken Arrow, and the Nebraska Showcase on April 16 in Omaha, offering prospects an opportunity to be seen by coaches and Six Star scouts, compete against elite prospects and earn an invite to TheFINALS All-America Showcase.
Six Star Football — Tell people who haven’t seen you okay about your game, strengths as a player.
Braden – I’d describe myself as a big guy that can move well, but the most important part about my game is my technique. Since freshman year I’ve been working with an OL specific trainer and it has been a huge reason for my success. The Training has helped me develop my footwork and hand fighting, and now I’m able to use my strength and athleticism even more.
Six Star Football — Tell us about your high school squad.
Braden – My high school team is a group of guys who push each other to the limit. Every day we are pushing each other in the weight room, and having fun doing it. We have a lot of returning starters on offense, and some young studs on defense. Don’t sleep on Olathe North.
Six Star Football — Anyone in particular that you have looked up to or patterned your game after as a player?
Braden – – A player I’ve looked up to is Larry Allen. He is a mean blocker and super aggressive. Also, he inspired me to start lifting weights.
Six Star Football —What are some things you are focused on this off-season?
Braden – This offseason I have been focused on becoming a better athlete. So far I’ve lost about 30 pounds going from 310 to 280, but I’ve still gained strength while doing that. Also, I started wrestling this offseason and it was a big help.
Six Star Football — Tell us about your offers? What has the recruiting experience been like for you so far to this point?
Braden – My first was from Colorado State, and my second from Lindenwood. I got both of them after calls with the coaches. Since my first offer I’ve started talking to lots of new coaches, and I’m excited to go visit some schools this spring.
Six Star Football — Hobbies outside of football:
Braden – – Some of my hobbies are playing Madden, going to the gym, and hanging out with friends. I also like to go to the pool.
Six Star Football —What was your experience like at the Six Star Showcase
Braden –– I had a good experience at the 6star showcase. The testing was ran well, and the drills we did were all really good. The only thing I didn’t love was that it took a while to do everything because there were so many people at the camp, but overall it was a great experience.
