SAINT AUGUSTINE'S
HALL DRAFTED IN SEVENTH ROUND BY CLEVELAND BROWNS
Defensive End First Falcon Drafted Since Football Program
Resumed In 2002
April 28, 2008
Defensive end Alex Hall (Glenarden, MD) became the first Saint
Augustine's College player drafted since the school restarted
football in 2002 when the Cleveland Browns drafted him in the
seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft on Sunday (April 27) in New
York, NY.
Hall was the only player from the CIAA conference selected in the
draft and the third player from Saint Augustine's College to
be selected in the NFL Draft. According to NFL.com, Ike
Lassiter was drafted in the ninth round by the Los Angeles Rams in
1962, and Herman Reed was picked in the 12th round by the Baltimore
Colts in 1967.
Hall, who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 250 pounds, was the 231st
overall pick in the draft. He ended his college career as the
Falcons' career leader in quarterback sacks (25.5) and tackles for
losses (54) since the school resumed football after a 37-year
hiatus. Hall also is the school's career leader in sacks for a
season (13) and sacks for one game (4.5).
A Division II All-American and All-CIAA player, Hall was drafted
because of his size, athleticism and pass rushing ability. NFL
scouts regularly attended his college games as a senior, and he ran
a 4.55 40-yard dash at the University of North Carolina Pro Day. In
the 2008 Cactus Bowl, featuring the nation's top NCAA Division II
players, Hall recorded 1.5 sacks and one fumble recovery to help
his East team defeat the West 42-13 in Kingsville, TX.
One of a handful of small-college players drafted, Hall was nervous
when the draft entered the last round and he wasn't chosen. His
concern turned to relief when he received a phone call from Browns'
senior vice president and general manager Phil Savage.
'It was like all the pressure was off after I was drafted,' said
Hall, who watched the draft at his Maryland home with his parents.
'It was a very thrilling moment. All of the hard work and sweat
paid off.'
In Cleveland, Hall is expected to provide depth on a rebuilding
defense which ranked 30th out of 32 NFL teams in yards allowed per
game. One analysis projects Hall as a hybrid defensive end/outside
linebacker in a 3-4 defensive system. The Browns went 10-6 in 2007,
barely missing the playoffs.
Saint Augustine's College football head coach Michael Costa says
Hall has the talent to play in the NFL.
'He has the speed and size,' Costa said. 'That is what they are
looking for.'
Costa expects the selection of Hall to have a positive impact on
the football program at Saint Augustine's College, going into its
seventh season in August 2008.
'It is a great thing for the football program and Saint Augustine's
College,' said Costa, the 2003 and 2005 CIAA football coach of the
year. 'It moves us up in the eyes of the people in North Carolina
and lets them know we are headed in the right direction.'
Hall is expected to report to Browns camp this week but will return
for graduation the following weekend. Hall will graduate with a
History degree.