Alabama running back Trey Sanders reacts to report of Agiye Hall's departure
Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Agiye Hall is no longer with the team, news that surprised fans, media and apparently Hall himself when it broke Tuesday morning.
While there won’t be clear answers until Nick Saban reveals the reason behind Hall’s apparent dismissal, Mike Rodak — who covers the team on a daily basis for AL.com — caught up with running back Trey Sanders shortly after the news broke.
“I have no idea about what Agiye has going on but a the end of the day, I know Agiye the person, that he’s a hard worker, he’s a great kid overall, I wish him the best,” the Crimson Tide ball-carrier said.
Hall suddenly removed from Alabama roster, WR reacts with surprise
On Tuesday morning, the news broke that Alabama wide receiver Agiye Hall is no longer listed on the team’s online roster. The reason for Hall’s absence is currently unknown, but it’s inviting a lot of speculation that the second-year pass-catcher might be on his way out of Tuscaloosa.
Granted, we should also note that this news is also a surprise to Hall.
Soon after the news broke on Tuesday morning, the former five-star talent took to Twitter to reply to a message claiming that his time at Alabama was coming to an end. His response was relatively short but reads “news to me, but fs [for sure].”
This reads as yet another cryptic message from Agiye Hall.
In his first season at Alabama, the former Valrico (Fla.) Bloomingdale standout appeared in seven games, catching four passes for 72 yards.
He was pressed into playing time against Georgia in the national title game due to starter John Metchie being out. Then his role increased even further after Jameson Williams went down with a season-ending knee injury of his own. Unfortunately, Hall and other receivers were unable to capitalize on their opportunities.
The good news is that even if Hall’s absence from the roster means something, the receiver group will remain in good shape. Georgia transfer Jermaine Burton has been “as-advertised” this spring. Meanwhile, freshman Aaron Anderson has been making an impression on the coaching staff.
Once Ja’Corey Brooks returns from injury to rejoin a room that also includes JoJo Earle, Traeshon Holden and several other receiving talents, the Crimson Tide should still field plenty of pass-catching options for reigning Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Bryce Young.
Coming out of high school, On3 ranked Hall as the nation’s top wide receiver and No. 11 overall player. The Consensus rankings were a little bit lower, marking him as a four-star and the No. 34 overall player.
Agiye Hall departure raises more questions for Alabama offense in 2022
As a freshman last season, Hall caught four passes for 72 yards, averaging 18 yards per reception. Despite limited production, his performance in the 2021 A-Day spring game turned heads and he appeared to be next in line for a big role. At 6-foot-3, 195-pounds, Hall provided a vertical threat in the passing game at the Z position.
Two of Hall’s receptions as a freshman came in the National Championship game against Georgia, going for 52 yards. Over the course of the season, Alabama head coach Nick Saban was pleased with the progression he saw from Hall.
“In the last, I don’t know, all these bowl practices, starting with the SEC Championship game, Agiye has started to develop confidence, and he has a lot of ability,” Saban said. “And he started to develop confidence in knowing what to do, knowing how to do it, knowing why it’s important to do it that way.”
With or without Hall, the Crimson Tide have a tall task of replacing three top receivers from the 2021 squad. Jameson Williams, John Metchie, and Slade Bolden all entered the 2022 NFL Draft. Hall was a candidate for more involvement in the offense this season, but it now appears that won’t be the case.