Oregon has gained another ESPN 300 prospect with the addition of WR Jalen Hall. Below, find out why Hall was such a needed pickup for the Ducks:
What he brings: In terms of raw ability, Hall is a receiver that possesses a lot of potential. He is tall with good length and excellent overall athleticism. Not a true burner, but he is explosive off the ball and is a long strider that can be a playmaker vertically. The four-star prospect possesses natural hands, excellent body control, offers a wide catch radius, and the ability to make difficult grabs. Needs to continue to fill out his frame, but possesses good strength and doesn't shy away from contact.
How he fits: This is a pickup that may have generated a lot more pub a year ago, but after transferring schools for his senior year and not having the dominate type of season expected, Hall does not possess the same type of hype he once did. However, the ESPN 300 WR still brings a wealth of raw ability that can allow him to develop into a key contributor if not playmaker for the Ducks. He needs to continue to develop his frame and improve as a route runner, but Hall is a rangy, athletic target that can be a red zone target and create matchup problems. There may be room for Hall to further maximize his ability, but this addition is still big for Oregon based off his upside and the need within the class. The Ducks lost multiple four-star receiver prospects during the coaching change and now Hall gives the class a big, talented receiver. Oregon still remains in the hunt for some other WR targets as well.
Reminds us of: Hall reminds us of former Texas A&M WR Josh Reynolds. We see similarities between the new Oregon commit and the talented receiver that Reynolds developed into. Both are tall, lengthy receivers that can be explosive off the ball with enough speed to be vertical threats. They possess strong ball skills and the size and body control to make difficult grabs. Like Reynolds, Hall needs to continue to develop his frame and add more mass, but both, despite having leaner builds, display a physical nature and will work and fight as blockers.
How the class is shaping up: New head coach Mario Cristobal managed to keep the Ducks' class together despite very little time to do so. Signing ESPN 300 signal-caller Tyler Shough is huge for depth and development at the position. Receiving letters of intent from ESPN 300s Steve Stephens, versatile athlete Jevon Holland and powerful guard Steven Jones was paramount for recruiting efforts in California. The same can be said for signing ESPN 300 tackle Dawson Jaramillo from inside the state lines. Keeping ESPN 300 running back Jamal Elliott out of North Carolina in the fold turned into another key signing. Under Armour All-America Game linebacker Adrian Jackson covers like a safety.