All "Hale" a hip-hop legend's son on the gridiron

Photo courtesy of max preps

St. John Bosco-Bellflower defensive back Naijiel Hale has unique bloodlines from one legendary performer. However, this performer isn't a former sporting legend - it's a former renown musician in the hip-hop world.

The emerging star DB for the 2014 class is the son to late hip-hop superstar Nate Dogg.

Hale is starting to explode on the recruiting scene, with five offers now including recent ones from Cal, Arizona and Washington State. After being in my film room breaking him down, he could have more by the time the fall season comes.

He has wide receiver-like hands when the football gets thrown his side. His speed is enough to not only close in on the football, but he's a threat to take it all the way back for the pick six. His play making skills will make a defensive coordinator grin and offensive coordinators cringe.

His speed and instincts are major points for me. Even when he's not in a position to get the interception, I also like his ability to close in on ball carriers and  lower the boom. He gets around anyone who tries to block him on screen passes then halt the play. He gets low enough to lift the ball carrier then plow him to the ground. He doesn't look like a guy who will shy away from delivering the big hit.

A 170-pounds, he'll need to add bulk for the next level. I also noticed that he mainly played in a zone scheme. I'll be curious to see how he'll do stepping up at the line and jamming wide receivers in the press coverage.

Overall, this is a defensive back who's gone from an under-the-radar prospect to, potentially, one of the more sought after DB's in the state. He's one to watch between now and National Signing Day.

More on Hale can be found here.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4wJ04Ey6wA