Film Room: Nikolas Hall

There is another brick in the Big Blue Wall.

The Wildcats don’t get into the Lonestar State very often, but this was a very special occasion. Nikolas Hall is the son of former Kentucky All-SEC offensive tackle Antonio Hall and Vince Marrow picked up a major recruiting win for the program.

Official like whistle!! He’s a Wildcat!! #BBN @nikolashall6 Congratulations son! So proud of you!! pic.twitter.com/QugnSQz7dj

— Antonio Hall (@coachhall330) June 26, 2021

The mid three-star recruit has some terrific positional size — 6-foot-6, 300-plus pounds — with long arms, a frame to grow into, and a high-level pedigree. After taking visits to Texas A&M, Colorado, Oklahoma State, and Arizona State this month, Hall ended it all with a verbal commitment to Kentucky on Saturday night.

Now the time has come to step into the KSR Film Room to show just what Hall will be bringing to Lexington from Texas. The first thing that jumps off tape is that this is a prototypical left tackle prospect who has a ton of room for growth.

The frame and length on Hall are two of his best attributes. There is major pass protection potential for this offensive line talent because of that. However, more physicality will be required at the next level. The line of scrimmage is all about technique and power at the point of attack. Players have to have it to succeed on a regular basis.

There aren’t many true drive or zone run block opportunities on tape for Hall as Akins High appears to be a very pass-heavy offense, but there are glimpses of raw power. There is motor and leg drive shown that proves that this a prospect that could have a chance to develop into a two-way lineman. The rep above shows off some of that power game with a forceful down block that has solid leg drive followed by a striking punch.

On tape, Hall is a tackle that is very comfortable in pass protection. However, pass pro does not have to be passive.

Hall is very comfortable in pass sets and does a very good job of not getting overextended. On the rep, the left tackle stymies the edge rusher before the left guard moves some of the traffic his way. Once that happens, Hall decides to end the play with power. This is a prospect that has room to add some strength and when that happens, Hall shows the ability to potentially grow into a punishing finisher. There is some nastiness in his game which is always something that is valued when searching for offensive line players.

When asked to play left tackle, offensive lineman must be able to win in isolation matchups. That means winning against edge rushers in obvious passing situations.

On the outside rush, Hall does a very good job of staying locked on. This was not a pass set because of the run call, but the tackle’s job is to run the edge player out of the play as he is assuming pass on third down. Hall executes his job.

On the final official visit weekend in June, Kentucky was able to immediately cash in and earn a commitment. Hall is a three-star prospect with a lot of room for growth. Thanks to his measurables, motor, and pedigree, this is a prospect that is worth investing in.

Development will be needed when the offensive tackle arrives in Lexington, but there are some tools available. New offensive line coach Eric Wolford is looking for more athletic offensive line players to utilize in Kentucky’s new pro-style scheme, and Hall certainly fits that bill.

For the first time since the staff landed T.V. Williams in the class of 2014, Kentucky headed into Texas to land a recruit with a very high ceiling. Score up another solid recruiting win for Marrow.