Derick Hall earns SEC, Senior Bowl Defensive Player of the Week
Senior Auburn edge Derick Hall has won two weekly awards following Auburn’s overtime thrilling win against Missouri.
He has been recognized by the SEC and by Jim Nagy of the Reese’s Senior Bowl as the defensive player of the week.
Hall finished the game as the Tigers’ best defensive player totaling 6 tackles, 3 tackles-for-loss, 2 sacks, and an interception that led to great field position and Auburn’s second touchdown of the game. That touchdown in the second quarter would be the last touchdown of the game for both teams.
Both awards significant for Hall
Winning SEC player of the week honors is always a big deal. In a conference with so much talent, especially on defense, Hall has managed to win the award more than once in his Auburn career.
Hall, of course, is expected to play well and is one of four team captains.
“Derick’s a captain. There’s a reason why he is,” Bryan Harsin said. “You know he’s going to step up. He stepped up today.”
Hall continues to receive high praise from Jim Nagy, the Executive Director of the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Nagy and the Senior Bowl have had many players come through, get drafted, and have plenty of success in the NFL. After Hall was announced as the player of the week, Nagy went to Twitter to explain the pick.
“Derick Hall was all over field for Auburn football on Saturday and they needed him to be,” Nagy said. “Great speed-to-power long arm rush here against one of top pass protecting left tackles in 2023 draft. Hall has a pair of heaviest hands in CFB and he knows how to use them.”
Play of the game
Hall arguably had the play of the game for Auburn against Missouri on Saturday. At times, he drops back in coverage from his edge position. Hall was dropping, Nehemiah Pritchett batted up a quick slant attempt, and Hall tracked it in the air for the interception.
His body control allowed for him to catch the ball and then advance it inside the 30 yard line for ideal field position on offense.
