Lucas: Hallman’s past helped prepare him for current role
September 16, 2022 | Football, Mike Lucas
Stepfather Frank Gore, high school coach Chris Chambers among those who shaped starting corner
BY MIKE LUCAS
UWBadgers.com Senior Writer
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin cornerback Ricardo Hallman has always been driven by his work ethic. He has come by it naturally. Hallman's stepfather is Frank Gore, whose relentless determination and unflinching toughness over 16 NFL seasons produced 16,000 rushing yards, the third-most all-time.
"I was just on the phone with him last night (Tuesday) – just talking about everything with him," said Hallman, who's looking forward to the 39-year-old Gore, a sure bet for Canton and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, attending Saturday's game against New Mexico State at Camp Randall Stadium.
"The one thing he taught me above all was always work harder than the next man. He'd tell me, 'There's always somebody working out there and it's your job to work harder than them. There's always going to be somebody as good as you or better than you. Just make it harder to find that person.'"
Only Emmitt Smith (18,355) and Walter Payton (16,726) rushed for more yardage than Gore, who had nine 1,000-yard seasons and played in more games (241) than any running back in NFL history. Overcoming two ACL tears as a collegian, Gore is already in the University of Miami Hall of Fame.
As a youngster, Hallman remembered watching his stepdad play for head coach Jim Harbaugh and the San Francisco 49ers. Harbaugh once said of Gore, "Every player in the league is hungry. But most guys are hungry like they missed breakfast, but it's OK because they know lunch is coming.
"Frank is starving. He plays like he's never going to eat again."
It's that type of influence that Gore has had on Hallman's work ethic. His mom Vondricka was also a major influencer. "They instilled those values in me," he noted. "I had a father who was in the league, and I listened to everything he said, watched how he worked and how he took care of his body."
Meanwhile, he added, "My mom is my rock. She's my everything."
His mother was in Madison for the 2022 season opener against Illinois State, which marked Hallman's first career start at Wisconsin. His stepdad made a couple of trips here last year, he pointed out, at a time when he was well down the depth chart and just getting his bearings as a true freshman.
"Last year really prepared me because I was able to sit back and watch our defense and learn how to put myself in the best positions," said Hallman, who had one tackle in three games. "Film study was important to me – learning the ins and outs of our defense and everybody's roles and assignments.
"The first game was a little nerve-racking (he had four tackles in the 38-0 shutout of Illinois State) – I was trying to get my feet wet and everything like that. But for the most part I've been really comfortable out there. I'm getting a feel for it … for flying around and playing fast. It has been fun.
"I've learned a lot more about myself. My preparation has gotten a lot different. I've been better with my film study in transferring what I do in practice over to the game in keeping my techniques the same and trying to keep everything as consistent as I can."
After last Saturday's loss to Washington State, Hallman spoke on the phone with former UW cornerback Faion Hicks, who's now on the Denver Broncos' practice squad. Hicks, a seventh-round draft pick, was a fixture for the Badgers, starting 39 of 44 games. He led the team in passes defended in 2021.
"Since I came here, Faion was always talking to me and mentoring me," said Hallman, a Miami native. "I would always go to him for help with anything to do with the plays and technique. When we talked, he assessed how he thought I played (last Saturday). Getting tips from him has been awesome."
Hicks, who's from Pembroke Pines, Fla., 30 minutes from Miami, was one of the contributing factors in Hallman committing to the Badgers. But he was not the only one. "It was the Florida pipeline in general," Hallman said. "Faion, Rachad Wildgoose, Semar Melvin. All of those guys."
Plus, he was swayed by one of his prep coaches, Chris Chambers, the seventh-leading receiver all-time at Wisconsin (127 catches for 2,004 yards and 16 touchdowns). Chambers, who played a decade in the NFL, was an offensive assistant on the coaching staff at University School in Fort Lauderdale.
"Coach Chambers was always in my ear talking about the Badgers, the Badgers, the Badgers," Hallman said. "I would say he was a decent factor in me committing here. He talked about the culture and had a really good impact on me. We watched his (game) tape all the time. He was amazing."
Chambers, a second-round draft pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2001, was not the only NFL alum on the University School staff. The others were Arturo Freeman with the defensive backs; Ed Perry with special teams; Dannell Ellerbe with linebackers and Channing Crowder, the defensive coordinator.
"Having Coach Arturo's experience at major Division-I (South Carolina) and the NFL (with the Dolphins and Patriots)," Hallman said, "helped me have a huge advantage over a lot of defensive backs and receivers in playing different techniques. It was amazing to have that knowledge from him."
The pep talks from the former pros were particularly strong and meaningful, according to Hallman.
"They always gave those motivational type speeches on what it takes to get there (the NFL) and the work that we needed to put in," he said, adding. "We ran a college type of defense.
"They preached the details of everything and that really prepared me for here."
Hallman had eight interceptions and was named first-team Class 4A All-State as a junior. COVID wiped out his senior year at University School, so along with many of his teammates, he transferred to TRU Prep Academy in Miami Gardens to complete his prep career. He was recruited virtually by the UW.
Badger defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard's expertise came across loud and clear on Zoom.
"The guy is an absolute genius when it comes to football – he's always putting us in the best positions and telling us how to watch film and be a better player in general," said Hallman, who also praised UW cornerback coach Hank Poteat, "He's always preaching the details to me.
"It has been amazing with his NFL journey and just the knowledge he can pass down to us."
Hallman's emergence has been timely given the injury to cornerback Alexander Smith, who has yet to get on the field. Smith, a fifth-year senior, was expected to be one of the starting corners. Instead, it has been UCLA transfer Jay Shaw and Hallman who has been digesting the weekly game plans.
For Illinois State and Washington State, he said, "They were a little bit the same. Both quick passers. Same type of route concepts. I would say the difference with Washington State was their quarterback (Cameron Ward) who was a lot more mobile out of the pocket in extending plays."
As far as New Mexico State, which utilizes two quarterbacks, Hallman said, "They like to take a lot of shots down the field. Our secondary has to be prepared for that. They also like to do a little bit of the quick game, too. Eye discipline. We have to be ready to keep our coverage and stay consistent."
The 19-year-old Hallman has been trying to absorb it all. From talking with his stepdad – "He likes to tell me what to expect and how I can be better every day with everything from the methods I use for treatment and watching film; he's always there for me" – to talking with his half-brother.
Frank Gore Jr., 20, is the starting tailback at Southern Mississippi, a 30-7 loser to his dad's alma mater last Saturday in Miami. Gore and Hallman spoke this week. They speak a lot. "He's like my best friend – we grew up together," said Hallman, who's growing into a starter's role for the Badgers.
When asked about his first two outings this season – as a starter – he snickered at the mention of the word. Starter. "It's kind of funny to hear you say that," Hallman acknowledged – still adjusting to being referenced as such. "Yes sir … as a starter … it's so fun to hear that." He'll work to make it work.
UWBadgers.com Senior Writer
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin cornerback Ricardo Hallman has always been driven by his work ethic. He has come by it naturally. Hallman's stepfather is Frank Gore, whose relentless determination and unflinching toughness over 16 NFL seasons produced 16,000 rushing yards, the third-most all-time.
"I was just on the phone with him last night (Tuesday) – just talking about everything with him," said Hallman, who's looking forward to the 39-year-old Gore, a sure bet for Canton and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, attending Saturday's game against New Mexico State at Camp Randall Stadium.
"The one thing he taught me above all was always work harder than the next man. He'd tell me, 'There's always somebody working out there and it's your job to work harder than them. There's always going to be somebody as good as you or better than you. Just make it harder to find that person.'"
Only Emmitt Smith (18,355) and Walter Payton (16,726) rushed for more yardage than Gore, who had nine 1,000-yard seasons and played in more games (241) than any running back in NFL history. Overcoming two ACL tears as a collegian, Gore is already in the University of Miami Hall of Fame.
As a youngster, Hallman remembered watching his stepdad play for head coach Jim Harbaugh and the San Francisco 49ers. Harbaugh once said of Gore, "Every player in the league is hungry. But most guys are hungry like they missed breakfast, but it's OK because they know lunch is coming.
"Frank is starving. He plays like he's never going to eat again."
It's that type of influence that Gore has had on Hallman's work ethic. His mom Vondricka was also a major influencer. "They instilled those values in me," he noted. "I had a father who was in the league, and I listened to everything he said, watched how he worked and how he took care of his body."
Meanwhile, he added, "My mom is my rock. She's my everything."
His mother was in Madison for the 2022 season opener against Illinois State, which marked Hallman's first career start at Wisconsin. His stepdad made a couple of trips here last year, he pointed out, at a time when he was well down the depth chart and just getting his bearings as a true freshman.
"Last year really prepared me because I was able to sit back and watch our defense and learn how to put myself in the best positions," said Hallman, who had one tackle in three games. "Film study was important to me – learning the ins and outs of our defense and everybody's roles and assignments.
"The first game was a little nerve-racking (he had four tackles in the 38-0 shutout of Illinois State) – I was trying to get my feet wet and everything like that. But for the most part I've been really comfortable out there. I'm getting a feel for it … for flying around and playing fast. It has been fun.
"I've learned a lot more about myself. My preparation has gotten a lot different. I've been better with my film study in transferring what I do in practice over to the game in keeping my techniques the same and trying to keep everything as consistent as I can."
After last Saturday's loss to Washington State, Hallman spoke on the phone with former UW cornerback Faion Hicks, who's now on the Denver Broncos' practice squad. Hicks, a seventh-round draft pick, was a fixture for the Badgers, starting 39 of 44 games. He led the team in passes defended in 2021.
"Since I came here, Faion was always talking to me and mentoring me," said Hallman, a Miami native. "I would always go to him for help with anything to do with the plays and technique. When we talked, he assessed how he thought I played (last Saturday). Getting tips from him has been awesome."
Hicks, who's from Pembroke Pines, Fla., 30 minutes from Miami, was one of the contributing factors in Hallman committing to the Badgers. But he was not the only one. "It was the Florida pipeline in general," Hallman said. "Faion, Rachad Wildgoose, Semar Melvin. All of those guys."
Plus, he was swayed by one of his prep coaches, Chris Chambers, the seventh-leading receiver all-time at Wisconsin (127 catches for 2,004 yards and 16 touchdowns). Chambers, who played a decade in the NFL, was an offensive assistant on the coaching staff at University School in Fort Lauderdale.
"Coach Chambers was always in my ear talking about the Badgers, the Badgers, the Badgers," Hallman said. "I would say he was a decent factor in me committing here. He talked about the culture and had a really good impact on me. We watched his (game) tape all the time. He was amazing."
Chambers, a second-round draft pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2001, was not the only NFL alum on the University School staff. The others were Arturo Freeman with the defensive backs; Ed Perry with special teams; Dannell Ellerbe with linebackers and Channing Crowder, the defensive coordinator.
"Having Coach Arturo's experience at major Division-I (South Carolina) and the NFL (with the Dolphins and Patriots)," Hallman said, "helped me have a huge advantage over a lot of defensive backs and receivers in playing different techniques. It was amazing to have that knowledge from him."
The pep talks from the former pros were particularly strong and meaningful, according to Hallman.
"They always gave those motivational type speeches on what it takes to get there (the NFL) and the work that we needed to put in," he said, adding. "We ran a college type of defense.
"They preached the details of everything and that really prepared me for here."
Hallman had eight interceptions and was named first-team Class 4A All-State as a junior. COVID wiped out his senior year at University School, so along with many of his teammates, he transferred to TRU Prep Academy in Miami Gardens to complete his prep career. He was recruited virtually by the UW.
Badger defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard's expertise came across loud and clear on Zoom.
"The guy is an absolute genius when it comes to football – he's always putting us in the best positions and telling us how to watch film and be a better player in general," said Hallman, who also praised UW cornerback coach Hank Poteat, "He's always preaching the details to me.
"It has been amazing with his NFL journey and just the knowledge he can pass down to us."
Hallman's emergence has been timely given the injury to cornerback Alexander Smith, who has yet to get on the field. Smith, a fifth-year senior, was expected to be one of the starting corners. Instead, it has been UCLA transfer Jay Shaw and Hallman who has been digesting the weekly game plans.
For Illinois State and Washington State, he said, "They were a little bit the same. Both quick passers. Same type of route concepts. I would say the difference with Washington State was their quarterback (Cameron Ward) who was a lot more mobile out of the pocket in extending plays."
As far as New Mexico State, which utilizes two quarterbacks, Hallman said, "They like to take a lot of shots down the field. Our secondary has to be prepared for that. They also like to do a little bit of the quick game, too. Eye discipline. We have to be ready to keep our coverage and stay consistent."
The 19-year-old Hallman has been trying to absorb it all. From talking with his stepdad – "He likes to tell me what to expect and how I can be better every day with everything from the methods I use for treatment and watching film; he's always there for me" – to talking with his half-brother.
Frank Gore Jr., 20, is the starting tailback at Southern Mississippi, a 30-7 loser to his dad's alma mater last Saturday in Miami. Gore and Hallman spoke this week. They speak a lot. "He's like my best friend – we grew up together," said Hallman, who's growing into a starter's role for the Badgers.
When asked about his first two outings this season – as a starter – he snickered at the mention of the word. Starter. "It's kind of funny to hear you say that," Hallman acknowledged – still adjusting to being referenced as such. "Yes sir … as a starter … it's so fun to hear that." He'll work to make it work.
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