Ohio State defensive tackle Mike Hall declares for NFL Draft
COLUMBUS — Ohio State is less than 12 hours removed from losing to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl. NFL Draft decisions are already being made.
First up for the Buckeyes: defensive tackle Mike Hall, who declared for the draft Saturday morning.
Hall is foregoing his final year of eligibility in order to get to the draft after three seasons with the Buckeyes defensive line.
Hall released the news in a lengthy statement on social media.
“It’s time to start the next chapter of my life and make the one dream that never died in me come true,” Hall said in a graphic on X. “I have decided to enter my name in the 2024 NFL Draft, always will be a buckeye for life…O-H!”
Hall was one of the most dominant defensive tackles at Ohio State in each of the last two seasons, wrecking offensive game plans in spurts when he was healthy as a sophomore and showing production as a junior. He battled through various injuries during the last two years that slowed him down, however. That led to some questions about whether he would return for his senior season.
He will instead head to the next level.
“This has been one of the greatest opportunities to ever experience playing for THE Ohio State University playing in front of the best damn fans and the best damn band in the land,” he said. “I am also very grateful for the Brotherhood here at Ohio State that is special and I am grateful to create everlasting memories and relationships amongst my teammates.”
Hall was projected to be a first-round pick in various mock drafts back in training camp, but he has seen his star dim a bit according to draft scouts. He’ll need a good next few months to become a top-level draft choice in April.
Hall had three total tackles in the Buckeyes 14-3 loss to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl on Friday night.
That turned out to be his last game wearing an Ohio State uniform. He’s now off to the NFL Draft after three collegiate seasons.
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