Browns’ Hall elevating his game

By Zachary Bardou  |   Monday, August 04, 2008  |  Comments( 7 )

Cleveland Browns
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The Cleveland Browns’ loss of outside linebacker Antwan Peek for at least the rest of the preseason is shaping up to be a gain for seventh-round draft pick Alex Hall, a raw and largely unheralded rookie who has ceaselessly stood out in training camp. At 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, Hall is big, fast and has demonstrated both the ability to learn the defense rapidly and a heady knack for getting to the football.

Peek underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Thursday and is not necessarily a lock to play in the season opener against Dallas. It was Peek’s second scope, and it's not the kind of procedure a player wants to have performed on him multiple times.

In the meantime, Hall has been making quite an impression on the coaches and will share an increase in reps with Shantee Orr going forward. If he continues to make plays, Hall is going to be on the 53-man roster and may even prove to be a valuable asset rushing the passer opposite Kamerion Wimbley this season.

Hall played college ball at Division II St. Augustine, starting in 29 of his 30 appearances and amassing school records with 26 sacks and 51 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. In 2006, he also set the school’s season and game sack records with 13 and 4.5, respectively, while ranking in the top 20 in the nation in tackles for a loss in each of his final three years.

Of course, this is the NFL, not the CIAA. Hall was just the third Falcon drafted in school history, the only player taken from the CIAA in 2008. On one hand, Hall played for a school in a conference that rarely produces NFL talent and consists largely of lower-caliber competition. On the other, he drew the attention of scouts in spite of these facts, with the size and height to hold his own against pro adversaries.

At training camp, Hall has shown the ability to raise his game to the level of his teammates and, in many cases, outdo them. He intercepted Brady Quinn and returned it for a touchdown on the third day of camp, recorded a sack at Browns Stadium under the lights on Family Night Friday, and has consistently demonstrated good coverage and pass-rushing skills.

The Dayton Daily News reported Sunday that Hall has been the defensive standout in camp thus far and he has been eager to accept the guidance of veterans like Peek and starter Willie McGinest. Head coach Romeo Crennel has singled Hall out as a hardworking, superb performer several times during press conferences, and with Peek out, the rookie will be granted more opportunities to become even more comfortable with the defense and gel with his teammates.

Though it is still early in preseason, Hall already looks like an impact player at the professional level and, as long as he continues to capitalize on his chances, the Browns will find a way to squeeze him onto the final roster. He will give the team some depth at a position where they need it and may even contend for a significant role as a pass-rushing specialist before season’s end.

Training Camp: An entirely new kind of fantasy game!
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About Zachary Bardou

I am a freelancer journalist, editorialist and blogger from Richmond, VA. I graduated from the University of Richmond in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and my work has since appeared in Richmond Magazine, Style Magazine, High Times Magazine, Elmore Magazine, Shoutmouth.com and...
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