Since Ryan Day took over as Ohio State’s full-time head coach in 2019, there’s been a pipeline to the NFL. Over the last four years, 32 Buckeyes have heard their name called on Draft Day, and that group will increase next week.
Mike Hall is hoping to be part of this year’s list of Ohio State players announced by Roger Goodell. He put together two strong years on the defensive line, including a breakout 2022 season in which he totaled 19 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He carried that momentum into 2023 with a career-high 24 tackles to go with 2.0 TFL and 1.5 sacks.
Putting on the Buckeye uniform meant there was a high bar, and Hall said that was crucial in getting him and others ready for the NFL. In fact, he has a special connection to Day from the recruiting trail that helped get the journey started.
“I actually received my offer from Coach Day,” Hall told On3 via Zoom. “A blessing to be able to be coached by him and learn a lot of things. Just to come in and have these standards, we’ve got to live up to them every day. It’s a high expectation at Ohio State. It’s a fight every day, day-in and day-out.
“Your spot on the roster is not set. You’ve got to earn it day-in and day-out. That was known for everybody, no matter what, if you’re a special teams, kicker, punter. Very competitive and be able to set you up very well for the next level.”
Hall is one of eight Ohio State players to declare for the draft and came in as a projected third-round pick by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates earlier this week. The other player to appear in that mock draft was Marvin Harrison Jr., the star wide receiver widely viewed as a top-five pick. Harrison leads a slew of wide receiver talent in this year’s draft, and Hall said he’s been getting ready for this moment his entire life.
Just look at who his dad is.
“Marv, he’s a freak,” Hall said. “I mean, his dad is a Hall of Famer, for crying out loud. His dad has the blueprint. I’m pretty sure he’s coaching him up or telling him these things to do and what not to do. Like I said before, he’s got the blueprint and he’s a freak.
“He works his ass off day-in and day-out. The sky’s the limit.”
While he goes about his rookie season in the NFL, Mike Hall said he’ll try to keep tabs on his Buckeyes while making sure he’s handling his responsibilities in the league. He’s sure the goal won’t change, though, and that goes back to the expectations Day and the staff set every year.
“I think I’ll still have a certain amount of time to be able to look at them or even watch their games,” Hall said. “I’ve got to take care of my priorities first. I wish those guys the best. Hopefully, they’ll be able to attain that national championship and be able to fulfill that finally. Bring one back to Columbus. That’s definitely the goal that Coach Mick Marotti and Coach Day, they set the standard of every year.
“If it’s not that, then it’s nothing.”
Mike Hall is partnering with P&G and Meijer ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. P&G and Meijer are teaming up to provide players with essentials from trusted P&G brands like Bounty to help them be Ready For Anything as they begin their pro careers. During Draft week, the first P&G Draft House presented by Meijer will be on the ground in Detroit to welcome players and equip them with essentials they’ll be able to count on no matter where they find themselves heading after they’re drafted.
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