Derick Hall, Auburn Football News: Draft Scout Player News

08/16/22 - OLB Derick Hall, Sr/2023, Auburn

There was one position that didn't get to fully showcase its ability during Auburn's first fall scrimmage - and no, we're not talking about the quarterbacks, who sported orange non-contact jerseys Saturday evening in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Because the Tigers' quarterbacks didn't go live in the team's first preseason scrimmage, Auburn's edge defenders didn't get to go full bore. Derick Hall and Eku Leota were relegated to a game of tag when it came to pass-rushing opportunities Saturday evening, but the duo-coming off a highly productive 2021 campaign-still came through with some pressure in the backfield. Leota was credited with one sack during the scrimmage, while Hall could have finished with a couple of his own, coach Bryan Harsin said afterward. Neither one got to actually hit the quarterbacks, but that didn't stop them from flaunting after forcing the offense into some potentially negative plays. "Our edges can bend the corner," Harsin said. "Here's the one thing - our guys know. They know, they kind of run by and razz each other a little bit."

Hall and Leota hope they can maintain that kind of production once the games actually count and once they can really let loose on opposing quarterbacks. The two proved to be a dynamic duo off the edge last season, their first playing together after Leota transferred from Northwestern, as they combined for 16 sacks, 22.5 tackles for loss, seven quarterback hurries and three forced fumbles. Hall led Auburn with nine sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss last season while picking up second-team All-SEC honors. He hopes to break the program's single-season sack record - Nick Fairley's 11.5 during the 2010 national championship campaign - this fall. "That's the goal," Hall said. "Last year was a really good year. I went back and watched some film and could've definitely had that opportunity last year, and I definitely should've had that opportunity last year, so I'm just trying to make that step and turn pressures and missed sacks into sacks and help this team get better. So, that's the goal." - Birmingham News

Sr/2023