OSU's Hall shines in return

RB glad to be back on the field

Ohio State running back Jordan Hall (7) runs as Miami linebacker Ramon Buchanan (45) defends during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Miami, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011.

COLUMBUS — While his Ohio State teammates pounded Akron and barely slipped past Toledo in the first two games of the season, Jordan Hall was in a self-imposed, semi-solitary confinement watching them on TV.

For the first time in his Ohio State career, Hall could throw the remote, scream at the officials or question every play call in a Buckeyes' game.

He just couldn't put on the uniform, walk the sidelines, or play.

"I know just how bad it hurts to watch the game at home," said Hall, a junior running back who sat out the first two games of 2011 serving an NCAA-mandated suspension for accepting $200 from a booster at a

Cleveland area charity event in February. "I don't ever want to miss a game again."

Hall seemed intensely motivated once he returned to the team. In his first four rushing plays against Miami, Hall went for 53 total yards. During his stint in the penalty box, he realized how much he missed the heat of the battle.

"I just took it as a learning experience. It taught me ... not to take anything for granted because it could be took away like that," Hall said this week. "I'm taking the rest of these games as if it's my last game."

Hall played with that combination of desperation and inspiration against Colorado last Saturday. He had a 90-yard kickoff return and 84 yards rushing as part of his 231 all-purpose yards in the 37-17 victory.

"He's a big leader in the locker room. He does a great job," Ohio State coach Luke Fickell said about Hall. "He does everything we've asked him ... with class and dignity. He has not batted an eye at it with all the situations."

As one of his game captains for Saturday's Big Ten opener against Michigan State, Fickell has named Hall, who comes from the same Pennsylvania high school as disgraced former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor. Fickell said that despite that obvious connection, the two did not come to Ohio State as a packaged deal and that Hall has not been smeared by Pryor's transgressions.

"Jordan is his own person," Fickell said

Hall averaged 8.5 yards per carry at Jeannette High, rushing for 946 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior. He played on a state championship team and a state runner-up team in football, and was all-state in basketball. He was twice named to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 all-star team in football.

"Jordan is solid. It was never a thing when we recruited him that they were two guys that had to go to the same place," Fickell said.

Hall, who is generously listed on the Ohio State roster as 5-9 and 195 pounds, has been hailed by his teammates and coaches for his ability to sustain the play after a hit despite giving up a lot of pounds to the linebackers and defensive linemen tackling him.

"Growing up, I was always smaller than everybody," said Hall, who has yet to declare a major at Ohio State. "I liked to play with the older kids in the neighborhood. I'm kind of used to it."

Hall is averaging 5.3 yards per carry, best on the Buckeyes. His 14.7 yards per return average on punts would put him in the top 15 in the nation, if he had played in the first two games this season. Hall said he relishes the additional opportunities he gets through special teams play.

"It's just another chance to make a play," he said. "Obviously I like making plays, and helping the team out. Special teams play is a big part of the game. I think I try to take full advantage of that."

Fickell indicated he plans to take full advantage of Hall's skills and leadership abilities, and considers the NCAA suspension a closed matter.

"We understand we learn from our mistakes, and we're not going to throw guys away," Fickell said.

Contact Matt Markey at: mmarkey@theblade.com, 419-724-6510 or on Twitter @MattMarkey.