The pressure of playing college football is already a daunting scenario for any prep player, but mix that with the opportunity to play for your father’s alma mater, where he just so happened to be a star. This is the reality for DeSoto’s B.J. Hanspard who is receiving attention from Coach Kliff Kingsbury and the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
This rising junior is often overlooked due to the sheer talent that his state championship team, with the likes of K.D. Nixon and Shawn Robinson, but 2017 will look to be his season. For a player who can play at defensive back and receiver, it is no wonder he is receiving the attention he is from some top Division I programs. Arkansas, Colorado, and Houston are all still in contention for Hanspard with the three schools offering the Eagles’ junior.
Standing at 6-1, 180 pounds, the tools for Hanspard to succeed at the next level. Whether at receiver or cornerback, the intelligence that this young talent has stands out amongst his peers. Adding 4.4 speed to the knowledge that he possess on the field, and one can see a player that makes plays week in and week out. It is no surprise the three interception he had on the year and adding 25 solo tackles with outstanding open field tackling ability.
All signs are leading to Byron Jr. following in his father’s footsteps, but if he is to continue playing at the same standard he has, he could be swayed by bigger schools from the SEC or Big 12 coming after his unique talents. Only time will tell where the Eagles’ star will ultimately land.
There is no question though that we will see B.J. Hanspard playing on Saturdays for a top school that he ultimately decides on. With a season full of possibilities, perhaps he will step out of the shadows of his teammates and be yet another shining product of the DeSoto football factory.
