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Fitch’s Hall set for draft
Pitt RB could end up in AFC North
By Dan Hiner
The 2018-19 season was full of changes for Austintown Fitch graduate Darrin Hall.
He became a game-breaking running back at Pittsburgh and entered the this weekend’s NFL Draft — all while helping care for his 8-month-old daughter, Elliona.
“It’s actually been a pretty straightforward year for me,” Hall said. “It’s been great. There’s no complaints, everything’s been positive and I have a beautiful little girl, who is crawling around, smiling all day, and I had a successful football season.”
The birth of his daughter helped Hall focus on time management and how he can impact his family’s life. That meant becoming a better football player while balancing his studies.
Hall ran for career-highs in yards (1,144), attempts (153) and touchdowns (10) as a senior with the Panthers. He was named to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference third team last season.
For his career, Hall finished with 381 carries for 2,189 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns.
Pittsburgh had its fair share of running backs. The Panthers’ record book features names like Tony Dorsett, LeSean McCoy and Curtis Martin. But Hall has carved out a couple spots for himself.
Hall owns the longest-run in Pittsburgh history — a 92-yard score against Duke in 2017. He ran for 7.5 yards per attempt, setting the Pitt record for runners with a minimum of 1,000 yards. Dorsett owned the record with 6.6 per carry in 1975.
“Just to be in the same book as them is great,” Hall said. “It’s a great accomplishment.”
Hall grew up a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He chose to play for the Panthers because he could watch the Steelers practice.
He could potentially end up in the AFC North. Hall said two teams from the division have him as Day 3 (4th-7th round) pick.
One question related to Hall’s game was his ability to catch the football.
The Panthers were fifth in the ACC in rushing attempts last season. But the dominant run game meant they didn’t have to pass frequently.
Pittsburgh ranked 120th of 129 teams in Division I in passing offense. Hall caught 15 passes for 66 yards during his senior season. He caught 38 passes in his four years at Pitt.
However, he got a shot to prove his value during the Senior Bowl, East-West Shrine Game and his Pro Day.
“At the Senior game, I was able to do the 1-on-1’s and show the scouts that I can catch,” Hall said. “Even at my Pro Day, they had me run a bunch of routes, which was good for me.”
Hall also proved his ability to run routes and change direction. Although he admits he should improve in pass protection.
This year’s draft could feature two other locals: Kentucky linebacker Jordan Jones (Cardinal Mooney) and Michigan State running back LJ Scott (Hubbard).
Hall will stay in Youngstown to watch the draft. He will spend time with his parents, his girlfriend and Elliona before having the entire family over after the draft.
But even with all the excitement in the last year, raising a child is still less stressful for Hall than the draft process.
“You never really know [when you’ll get drafted],” Hall said. “The idea of not knowing irritates you, but you gotta stay ready and you gotta stay confident in yourself, really.”