Rodney Hannah

Hannah born to Rodney Sr. and Donna Hannah in Fresno, California. At a young age Hannah and his family moved to over 7 different locations throughout the United States before the age of 14, due to his father's professional career. Growing up Hannah was highly active, initially going into extreme sports. He eventually became a young sponsored athlete in the realm of skateboarding and inline skating at the age of 12 and in high school.[1]

Upon moving to Roseville California Hannah traded in his skateboard for a backboard, picking up basketball while attending Roseville High School (CA) as a sophomore. He also intended to play football but his father would not allow it, restricting him from playing football and lifting weights – in concern for stunting his growth.

He was finally allowed to play both sports as a senior, becoming one of the top ranked athletes in the country, playing forward in basketball and wide receiver in football. He averaged 13 points and 10 rebounds per game, while being named an All-Conference selection. He finished among the state's top 10 leaders in receiving yards, rebounding and shots blocked.

Hannah enrolled Yuba Junior College where he focused on playing basketball. As a freshman, he averaged 9 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. As a sophomore, he was named an All-Bay Valley Conference selection, after averaging 13.9 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game, while helping his team achieve the best season in school history, when Yuba finished with a 24–7 overall record and advanced to the Elite Eight of the California Junior College Tournament.[2]

He transferred to the University of Houston on a basketball scholarship, appearing in 27 games, while averaging 1.9 points and 2.6 rebounds. As a senior in 2006, he realized he missed football and was a part of the C-USA Championship football team as a backup tight end, registering 11 receptions for 101 yards and one touchdown. After the season, Hannah was told that NFL scouts were interested in his physical skills.