Logan Hall powerfully jammed his heavy hands into the chest of an overmatched guard, and the mismatch got ugly fast. The University of Houston defensive lineman bull rushed his opponent so thoroughly that he lifted him off the ground. The blocker caught some air as he was bent completely backward. Incredibly, Hall maintained his balance while trampling over the fallen lineman to tackle the quarterback for 1 of 6 sacks last season for the Cougars. Indeed, Hall is on a mission to make his presence felt at the Senior Bowl — and bolster his 2022 NFL Draft stock.
Logan Hall is a rising NFL Draft prospect
Between Hall’s rare explosiveness for a big man (6-foot-6, 275 pounds), relentless pursuit, and growing repertoire of pass-rushing moves, he has emerged as a rising NFL Draft prospect. He’s graded anywhere from a late first-round draft target by scouts to somewhere within the top 50 selections. Hall recorded 13 tackles for losses last season, including 3 for loss against Tulane with 2 sacks.
“Logan Hall is an excellent player, a potentially great defensive lineman,” an AFC scout said. “I think he could go in the first round depending on how players come off the board, but he’s very deserving and very disruptive. I like his game a lot and I have gotten very good reports about his character, too.”
Hoping to follow in the recent footsteps of two University of Houston alums
At the Senior Bowl all-star game this week in Mobile, Alabama, Hall has set his ambitions on proving to NFL scouts that he’s deserving of following his former college defensive line teammates Ed Oliver and Payton Turner as the latest first-round draft pick from UH.
Turner was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round last year. There have been some comparisons between Hall and his friend, with Turner more of an edge pass rusher. Oliver is an extremely athletic defensive tackle and Outland Trophy winner. The Buffalo Bills selected Oliver ninth overall in 2019.
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“Payton is like a big brother to me, and Ed is a little older, but we’re cool,” Hall said. “We’ve had a couple conversations when he comes back to town to train. He’s a great guy and my ears are always open and trying to learn when he comes around.
“Those guys put UH on the map. They give me a lot of motivation. It proves that guys from UH can do it and play at the highest level. I want to dominate like they did. That gives me a lot of confidence.”
The Senior Bowl offers Hall an opportunity to impress NFL scouts
Hall has a simple goal for this week.
“I want to dominate, especially coming from a non-Power Five school,” Hall said. “My goal is to go in there and showcase my talents. That’s especially important for me to show my flexibility.
“I’m going to focus on the process and keep my head down. I’m focused on proving myself and doing everything I’m supposed to be doing. It’s very exciting. I can’t wait to show the NFL teams what I’m all about and make a name for myself.”
Hall offers versatility as well as an impressive range of skills
Hall primarily lines up inside over the guard, manhandling linemen not capable of matching his violent charge.
He also lined up at defensive end and nose tackle, displaying his trademark versatility. Hall utilizes a jab and swat, a swim move, and is fluid and fast in pursuit. He has the requisite strength to shove people around at the line of scrimmage. He has the speed to chase down running backs on sweeps and outside-zone runs.
Hall finished his career with 19.5 tackles for losses (97 tackles) and 7 sacks.
“He’s one of the best defensive tackles I’ve ever coached,” UH coach Dana Holgorsen said. “He’s going to play for a long time. That’s a special young man that has a bright future.”
Hall emulates NFL defensive linemen, including the San Francisco 49ers’ Arik Armstead and the Indianapolis Colts’ DeForest Buckner. In college, defensive coordinator Doug Belk coached Hall.
“I’m grateful for him because I feel he helped put me in this position, and I’m grateful for all of the coaches at UH,” Hall said. “They put me on the path to greatness.”
The Senior Bowl offers an opportunity to show his recent surgery did not slow him down
He has recovered quickly after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his elbow.
“I’ve had a great healing process,” Hall said. “It wasn’t a major surgery, just arthroscopic. It’s pretty much healed up. I’m easing back into weight lifting.”
Hall has been training at Exos in Frisco, Texas. His best time in the 40-yard dash in high school was 4.8 seconds. He’s set a goal of running under 4.8 at the NFL Scouting Combine.
“I’m an up-the-field, aggressive, attacking player,” Hall said. “I’m always going to get after it.”
Drew Pittman of Shark Sports will represent Hall
Hall grew up in Belton, Texas. He was also recruited by Colorado State, Toledo, Bowling Green, Sam Houston State, and Tulsa. His family, especially his mother, were heavily involved in vetting agents before signing with veteran agent Drew Pittman of Shark Sports.
“We had a great comfort level right away with Drew,” Hall said. “He has a great reputation in our town and he knows my mom. It’s been great working with him so far and I look forward to doing great things together.”
A first-team All-AAC selection, Hall was a lanky 6’5″, 218 pounds in high school. He has steadily gained weight and strength. Some NFL scouts view him as a hybrid defensive tackle and defensive end.
“Logan is a great young man with a ton of talent,” Pittman said. “He’s worked extremely hard to reach this point and I can’t wait to watch him show what he can do at the Senior Bowl.”
