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Browns rookie linebacker turning heads at camp
Seveth-round pick Hall is showing the size and speed that could win him a role chasing the other teams' QB.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
CLEVELAND — Everyone has to go looking for linebacker Alex Hall.
His college football coach found him at a recruiting fair in Hall's home state of Maryland, and the Browns found him in the seventh round of the NFL Draft in April at the tiny Division II school of St. Augustine College in Raleigh, N.C. Ultimately, they might be glad they did.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound prospect has caused a couple of double takes at the Browns' training camp.
Possessing size and speed, he might develop into a pass-rushing specialist. In the Browns' practice in front of more than 26,000 fans at Family Night on Friday, he showcased those skills by getting a sack.
Hall confessed that he was a bit overwhelmed when he arrived in Berea, but that is changing.
"It's slowing down. I'm starting to grasp the whole concept of the defense. Things have started going a little bit better," he said. "It's been a big jump. You're playing with All-Pro guys, guys that have been to the Pro Bowl, Super Bowls, experienced guys, so it's definitely a learning experience."
Some of those guys have taken the rookie under their bulging arms, so to speak. Hall credited fellow linebackers Willie McGinest and Antwan Peek with offering guidance.
"You have to respect guys like that, guys with that level of talent, who play like that and play at that high level all the time," Hall said. "You have to respect it and learn from it. That's what I'm trying to do."
An injury to Peek might pave the way for Hall to see more action as the preseason schedule starts Thursday at home against the New York Jets.
Peek, a six-year veteran, had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and won't be available until the regular season.
Browns coach Romeo Crennel said Hall probably will get an increase in the number of his repetitions. After Friday night, it's clear Hall intends to make the most of the chance.
Crennel took note, too.
"We knew he had good ability. He has a lot of toughness. You wouldn't think that a guy from a small school like that would have, and he enjoys playing the game, and he'll mix it up," Crennel said. "So that's the surprising thing that you know about him and we like about him. I think he's a good young prospect, and he's going to do pretty good."
One person well aware of what the Browns have in Hall is his former college coach, Michael Costa, who attended training camp last week.
"You want the truth? No I'm not surprised, because he can play," Costa said. "With his size and his speed, we knew that he would be somewhere. He was determined to get on a roster and get into a camp. He's going to be missed. I need him this year."
Browns have four new legends
Seventh-round draft choice Alex Hall will be in select company if he ever becomes a Cleveland Browns Legend. The Class of 2008, announced Friday, includes:
Warren Lahr, a cornerback who played from 1948-59 and ranks second on the team's all-time list with 40 interceptions.
Defensive end Paul Wiggin (1957-67), a two-time Pro Bowler.
Defensive tackle Walter Johnson (1965-76), who went to three straight Pro Bowls in the 1960s.
Running back/returner Eric Metcalf (1989-94), who returned two punts for TDs in the same game against Pittsburgh in 1993.
Voting was done by fans online and by a panel of 10 experts. The fan vote counted 20 percent of the total. More than 11,000 votes were cast online.
