The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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52 THE WOLVERINE MAY 2022 COMMITMENT PROFILE I f you know, you know. Kennesaw (Ga.) North Cobb run- ning back Benjamin Hall may be from the South, but after a weekend trip to Michigan in mid-March, the three-star prospect knew he had found his future home. Hall tested his gut feeling by making a trip within SEC country to Columbia, S.C., the following weekend. That visit, however, clinched the Wolverines for Hill. "I took an unofficial visit to Michigan on March 19 and then followed that up with a South Carolina visit right after," he said. "After those visits, I just sat back and tried to take a few days and think about what was missing from Michigan, and I couldn't find anything. I figured I'd just make the decision and commit. "I feel really good about the situation there and the whole staff. Overall, I think it's a place that will help build me on and off the field and just help me better my- self as a person and become a better ath- lete as well." At the time of his commitment, Mich- igan was also in the mix for elite Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage running back Mark Fletcher, who even- tually committed to rival Ohio State. U-M running backs coach Mike Hart trusted his evaluation and took Hall, the No. 55 running back and No. 798 overall prospect nationally, per the On3 Consensus, as opposed to waiting for Fletcher to make a decision. A former three-star prospect himself, Hart turned out to be one of the greatest players in Michigan history. It's safe to say he saw a little of himself in Hall, and the two quickly built a strong relation- ship during the recruiting process. "I sat down with him, and he just wanted to make sure I wanted to be there as much as they wanted me there," Hall said. "Coach Hart, with him playing in the league, he knows the ideal look for a run- ning back, and he said I basically check all the boxes. Now it's just a matter of me continuing to develop myself. I just have to focus on being an every-down back who can make plays and stay on the field." Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh was also personally involved in Hall's re- cruitment and made a big impression on him during his stay in Ann Arbor. "When I got there on the visit, I sat down with Coach Harbaugh for an hour just talking, and it was just a great way to start off a relationship," Hall said. "We've been on the phone since then, and it's all been great energy, great environment and all-around positive vibes." What makes Hall an intriguing pros- pect is his size. Hall is 6-foot, 225 pounds, making him more of a typical bruising style back. That was certainly something the Michi- gan staff liked and sold during his visit. "They said I would most likely fill the shoes of [Hassan] Haskins in terms of my versatility as well as my size," he said. "Coach Harbaugh thought very highly of Haskins, and he thought very highly of me as well." Michigan now has two running backs committed in its 2023 recruiting class. Hall joins speedy four-star Dexter (Mich.) High prospect Cole Cabana, who is known for his 10.6-second speed in the 100 meters and his ability to also play in the slot. With Hall being more of a power back, the commits should complement each other nicely. "From the jump, Michigan told us who Cole was and what kind of player he was," Hall said. "I've talked with Cole myself now, and we both understand in Big Ten football, you're going to need multiple running backs. We think together we could really do something special if we just play our roles in the offense." — EJ Holland Georgia Power Back Benjamin Hall Is A Fit For Big Ten Football PLAYER EVALUATION Strengths: At 6-foot, 225 pounds, Hall is a bigger back that will only get stron- ger once he enrolls at Michigan. Hall is at his best when running between the tackles and is a prospect that loves to run through defenders and keep his legs churning for extra yards. Michigan explored several options for a bigger back to fill the Hassan Haskins role, and Hall could be the long-term solution. A battering ram, he is built for the physical Big Ten. Hall also shows good balance and decent burst and short area quickness. Areas Of Improvement: Hall plays in a tough conference in Georgia but wasn't very productive as a junior, rushing for just 543 yards and eight touchdowns. He needs to continue to improve his vision and speed. He's great at keeping the chains moving but doesn't offer much past that. Hall also didn't produce as a pass catcher, recording just a dozen receptions last year. Overall, the power is there but not necessarily the explosion or athleticism. Michigan Player Comparison: Hall compares well to Michigan running back Tavierre Dunlap. Like Hall, Dunlap was a bigger back that didn't wow in terms of speed, athleticism or high school production but did pound opposing prep defenses between the tackles. Dunlap flashed during Michigan's spring game and will compete for the Haskins role. And as Hall stated, that's exactly how Michigan views him, too. — EJ Holland At 6-foot, 225 pounds, Hall is a bruising ball carrier who was ranked as the No. 55 run- ning back in the On3 Consensus. PHOTO COURTESY ON3.COM