Whoever drafts Ohio State DT Mike Hall Jr. is getting 'A Pure Dawg'

Mike Hall Jr. is an impressive football player who wore a lot of hats during his time at Ohio State. 

Hall Jr. may be smaller than the average DT, but he more than makes up for it with his next-level effort and pure determination. 

During his collegiate career, Hall Jr. had flashes of utter dominance, and if an NFL team can help him play at that level consistently, he could end up being considered one of the best defensive linemen in this entire class. 

I had the pleasure of speaking one-on-one with Hall Jr.

We discussed his time at Ohio State, why he views "being small" as an advantage, and his ideal role at the NFL level. 

Thankful for P&G

Q: How is GilletteLabs helping you be Ready for Anything ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft? 

Hall: "Yeah, so just been super excited for the NFL draft and to be able to take this next step in my football career. I'm thankful to P&G and Meyer that they have the essentials I need to be ready for anything in this upcoming draft.

They want me to look good and feel my best for the draft by getting a fresh save with Gillette Labs. When you look good, your game is good. Specifically, in that order, feel good and play good. And one more thing for my Buckeye family: Meyer shoppers can use "mPerks" to save $15 on purchases of $50 or more on P&G products like Bounty, Gillette Tide, and more through April 27

His time at THE Ohio State

Q: Can you speak about how playing for a premier program like Ohio State and how the talent you were around during your college career has helped you as a prospect? 

Hall: "It's helped me tremendously. Our coaches tell us that our spots aren't set every day; we always have to compete for our spots, and it can change whenever. So just being able to be in an environment like that, real competitive, and we focus on competitive excellence and competitive stamina. That's what Coach Day talks about and just be able to fight out there everyday, which is our motto."

Q: Was there a moment or a game during your college career that stands out as the most memorable moment during your time at Ohio State?

Hall: "I'd have to say it was my first career start. It was against Notre Dame, and it was a night game here (Ohio State). LeBron (James) and Rich Paul were on the sideline. It was a crazy atmosphere, with multiple NBA players and Ohio State alumni. I think we sold out the game and even sold extra tickets for standing-room. I had 4 TFLs and a sack, and people were calling us the best defensive line in the country after that game and to be a part of that in my first start felt pretty special.  

Everything to know about Mike Hall Jr. as a player

Q: In your multiple roles at Ohio State, you had equal responsibilities in both the run and pass game. Can you speak on the importance of being impactful in both areas and how you attack each differently?

Hall: "You have to be able to play the run, on first and second down real hard. Whether you're being an anchor guy or being that attack and react guy. You have a different mindset on first and second down compared to third where you are getting ready to pin your ears back and get off the ball."

Q: How does being smaller than the typical interior defensive lineman affect your individual game and how you train and prepare? And is there a player you've seen succeed being undersized who inspires you? 

Hall: "I don't look at it as a minus; I look good as a plus as a positive. People say I'm a bit smaller, but I'm able to have a lot more leverage on guys and am able to get under their pads, which helps me have my way on the field. And I'd say that player for me is Aaron Donald" 

Q: You lined up all over the defensive line at Ohio State can you speak about those roles and where you think you fit best at the NFL level

Hall: "I can play anywhere, like you just said I played all over the defensive line. Whether it was on the outside or over the center. I played at the one technique, the three, and the five. I have proven film from all over, even from my 2022 season, with me running at the five-technique. So, whatever is best for the team, Im willing to play. And there are different situations on the field where I might be in the three-technique and have to fly over to be a five."

Q: Which gets you pumped up more: Bringing the QB down for a sack or Blowing up a run behind the line of scrimmage 

Hall: "There's more hype with a sack rather than a TFL for sure. I'd say my best ability is my pass rush. They both give you excitement, but I feel like getting a sack it's just a little bit more. Especially when you beat a man real clean and get to use what we call your tool box"

Who an NFL team is getting if they draft Mike Hall Jr.

Q: If you could share a brief message with all 32 teams and their fan bases explaining the person and player they are getting if they choose to draft you, what would it be?

Hall: "I'm just a pure DAWG, somebody who's going to be a leader, by example, and accountable. I'm going to be transparent with my coaches and my teammates. My work ethic is through the roof, and that's just how I operate. I'm so passionate about this game. Whatever team gives me an opportunity will definitely be getting a dawg out of me."