Redshirt-senior running back Jordan Hall (2) uses the referee as a blocker during a game against Florida A&M Sept. 21 at Ohio Stadium. OSU won, 76-0.
Credit: Lantern file photo
After being passed up in the 2014 NFL Draft and the subsequent free agent signing period, former Ohio State running back Jordan Hall, a Jeanette, Pa., native, has signed a deal to join fellow Buckeye and 2014 first-round pick Ryan Shazier with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to the team’s website.
The 5-foot-9-inch, 190-pound back, a high school teammate of former Buckeye quarterback Terrelle Pryor, spent five seasons at OSU, beginning in 2009.
Hall rushed for just 409 yards in his first two seasons in Columbus, but nearly equaled that total in his junior campaign alone, when he rushed for 408 yards on 100 carries in 2011.
Prior to his senior season – a season in which many predicted he would be a big factor for the Buckeyes in Urban Meyer’s offense – Hall suffered a foot injury that kept him out of the first couple of contests. Upon his return, he played in just 3 games before suffering a knee injury that ended his season.
Hall was granted a medical redshirt for his multiple injuries in 2012, which allowed him to return to the Buckeyes for one last go-around in 2013.
Hall made the most of his final season as he played in 13 games, rushed for a career-high 536 yards on 81 carries and scored eight of his 14 career rushing touchdowns for the Buckeyes.
Also a kick returner for much of his five-year stint in Columbus, Hall finished his career ranked 12th all-time at OSU in all-purpose yards with 3,486 and third in all-time kickoff return yards with 1,308.
The Steelers’ roster already boasts five running backs, including former Michigan State running back Le’Veon Bell, former Oregon back LeGarrette Blount and former Kent State running back and 2014 third-round pick, Dri Archer.
According to the Steelers’ website, former Buckeyes Mike Adams, Will Allen, Bryant Browning and Cameron Heyward are with the team, as well as Shazier.
It remains to be seen when Hall will actually put on a Steelers helmet, as the team is set to finish its organized team activities tomorrow until the start of training camp in July.
