Michigan State punter Ryan Eckley named freshman All-American; LB Jordan Hall receives honorable mention nod
Michigan State redshirt freshman punter Ryan Eckley and freshman linebacker Jordan Hall earned freshman All-American honors from College Football Network Wednesday evening. Eckley received freshman punter of the year. He was also named to the All-American team. Hall was tabbed as a defensive honorable mention selection.
Eckley was a bright spot for Michigan State on special teams this year. He stepped into the starting punter role after All-American punter Bryce Baringer departed for the NFL. Eckley punted 56 times for the Spartans this fall, averaging 46.7 yards per punt. He pinned 24 of his punts inside the 20 yard line (42.8 percent).
Eckley enrolled at Michigan State in January 2022. He was a three-year punter and kicker for Lithia (Fla.) Newsome High School. Eckley received All-Big Ten Second Team honors on Nov. 29.
Hall stepped into starting linebacker duties against Maryland in week four. He started the remaining nine games for Michigan State. Hall totaled 67 tackles, 4.5 sacks and one forced fumble during his true freshman season.
A former four-star prospect, Hall committed to Michigan State as part of the Spartans’ 2023 recruiting class. He was a three-time captain at Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy. Hall was the No. 22 linebacker and No. 41 player from Florida in his class, per the On3 Industry Rankings.
New Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith will look to retain both Eckley and Hall during the 30-day transfer window, which opened Monday. Neither Eckley nor Hall have yet to enter the portal.
