Hall not interested in proving teams wrong that passed on him in NFL Draft

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Posted on Saturday, Apr. 25, 2020, 9:37 pm

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By Jerry Ratcliffe

An apparent fumble return for a TD by Bryce Hall was nullified against Florida State in 2019 (Photo by John Markon).

Virginia cornerback Bryce Hall said Saturday that his goal isn’t to prove teams wrong that passed on him in the NFL Draft, but “if it happens, it happens.”

Hall, projected as a second- or third-round draft choice earlier in the week, was taken in the fifth round by the New York Jets with the 158th overall pick.

Asked by the Jets media if he wanted to prove other teams wrong, Hall answered:

“No, I didn’t come to the NFL to prove them wrong. I will say that where I landed , it made me motivated to work 10 times harder. It’s not my motivation to prove everybody wrong. I believe in myself and in what I can be one day. But if [proving teams wrong] that happens, it happens.”

What the Jets are getting is a talented player who carved out a reputation at Virginia as a tireless worker. If he compounds that effort by 10 as he said, watch out.

In a video message to Jets fans, Hall said: “I’m so blessed in being part of this organization, this team. I promise y’all that I’m going to give you everything I’ve got. I can’t wait to get to work. I’m already thinking about coming in and being ready to give it everything. I’m here for a reason. I love the opportunity that lies ahead. We’re going to have a good time up in New York.”

Hall will be going to a club with four cornerbacks on its roster: Bennett Jackson, a sixth-round pick in 2014 from Notre Dame; Nate Hairston, a fifth-round pick by the Colts in 2017; Blessuan Austin, a sixth-round selection last year; and Pierre Desir, a fourth-round pick by the Browns in 2014.

Hall said that his broken ankle — suffered during a special teams play against Miami midway through the season (he missed UVA’s final eight games) — is basically healed.

“It’s just a matter of getting back the range of motion and for it to be as explosive as my other ankle,” Hall said.

The injury no doubt hurt his expectations for the draft. He was considered one of the nation’s best lockdown corners the past two seasons of his collegiate career.

“I think that definitely played a factor in me going a lot later that when I went [fifth round],” Hall said. “At the end of the day, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be and that I was drafted here for a reason. I’m here now and looking forward.”

Hall said the plan is to be back to 100 percent before training camp, and he is confident he’ll reach that goal.

Jets media asked Hall what he brings to the table and the star corner wasn’t shy with his reply.

“I’m somebody, first and foremost, who prepares like crazy,” the former Cavalier said. “I bring a lot of energy and a lot of passion, meticulous preparation. Because I don’t have the skillset at the moment, I’m eager to learn.”

Hall’s reputation at Virginia was relentless film study and preparation. While the injury may have set him back, those familiar with his drive have no doubt that he’ll be back to speed as soon as humanly possible.

Asked if he was confident about starting for the Jets as a rookie, Hall wasn’t quite sure how to answer that question concerning that he’s a newcomer and coming off a serious injury.

“Honestly, I’m not in control of where they put me,” he said. “I just know I’m going to come in and play as hard as I possibly can. I’m going to trust in the coaches and whoever else is in charge of that. I’m focusing on getting back to normal, better than back to normal, and working my butt off for this team.”

Hall is the first Cavalier drafted by the Jets since Oday Aboushi in 2013. He is the 10th UVA player all-time to be drafted by the Jets.