Derick Hall compared Oregon transfer to Auburn football great
Auburn football EDGE Derick Hall heaped massive praise upon Oregon transfer DL Jayson Jones, likening him to a Tigers great from the backend of the last decade: Carolina Panthers defensive tackle and 2020 first-round NFL Draft pick Derrick Brown.
As 247Sports’ Nathan King relayed that Hall said ‘(Derrick) would gobble up two or three people. And Jayson has that ability.’
Derick Hall says Oregon DT transfer Jayson Jones reminds him of Derrick Brown in the way he occupies space in the middle of the D-line: "(Derrick) would gobble up two or three people. And Jayson has that ability."
— Nathan King (@NathanKing247) August 6, 2022
In 2021, Hall amassed 52 total tackles, including 12.5 tackles for loss on 57 yards — he also forced nine sacks for 49 yards and two fumbles. Hall made the SEC coaches All-SEC second team and was named the Great Southern Wood team lineman of the year. He made this year’s preseason Lombardi Award watchlist.
The Auburn football upperclassman defensive leader praised Jones’ ability to come in and compete right away:
"“He brings a lot (to the line). Physical attributes, of course. He brings a lot of veteran knowledge coming in from Oregon, just being able to play this game and play at the level we’re playing. He came right in, didn’t back down, didn’t bow down. He’s getting the scheme down, and he’s helping us, obviously, as far as depth. He’s one of those guys that I think is leading that defensive line room, so just being able to have him there, his work, his work ethic, his diligence toward the scheme and just being able to learn everything, I think it’s huge.”"
Auburn football EDGE Derick Hall could be a future first-round NFL Draft pick too
According to ESPN’s Todd McShay, Auburn football EDGE Derick Hall could be a future first-round pick in 2023, linking him to the Indianapolis Colts:
"“Hall broke out in 2021, recording nine sacks and 13 tackles for loss in his first season as a full-time starter. Will he take another step in 2022? The Colts are coming off a 33-sack season, and while they traded for Yannick Ngakoue and should see more from Kwity Paye in his second year, you can never have enough productive pass-rushers.”"
2022 will determine a lot for the Tigers, including whether or not Bryan Harsin will remain Auburn HC, and whether Hall will make good on the sky-high expectations that have been bestowed upon him this preseason. If he does, the NFL should come calling next April.