Lions lineman Hall gets Arena shot in L.A.
February 9, 2007 - World Indoor Football League 2 (WIFL 2)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA, February 9 -- Another Columbus Lion is on a plane to an Arena Football League city, and this time Head Coach Jason Gibson doesn't think he'll be back. Offensive lineman Brandon Hall, a 6'4", 330-pound Auburn, Alabama native who played down the road at Troy University has been signed by the Los Angeles Avengers. Receiver Jarwarski Pollock and defensive lineman Omar Billy have also been in AFL camps this spring.
Hall spent 1 ½ years on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad from early 2004 through August 2005, so he's not an unknown quantity at the highest levels. "I wish Brandon the best," said Gibson. "I've always said he was the best lineman in the league and deserved a shot at the next level. I talked to Coach Winter of the Avengers this morning. They're very excited about bringing Brandon to camp and expect great things."
"It's going to be a little quicker for me in the AFL. We have to pick up a few more blitzes than in the outdoor game," said Hall. "I'm very excited about the opportunity to play up there. Doors open and close all the time in football, you never know what can happen. I didn't even work out for the Avengers, Coach Gibson sent tape and I'm on my way". Hall said he's never been to California, but joked "I think I've got a little bit of Hollywood in me. Mainly, I just like to get the job done."
Hall played four years at Troy, starting his last three. He made first-team all-independent university team before Troy joined the Sun Belt Conference, joining stars from Notre Dame, Navy, Connecticut and South Florida, among others. Once in the Sun Belt, he made all-conference twice and started in the Blue-Gray game on his home field and in the Las Vegas All-American Classic his senior year in 2003.
What's the life of an NFL practice squad player like? Hall said "We do everything the active roster players do except dress on Sunday. That means working out Monday and Tuesday, lifting and running, practicing with the regulars Wednesday through Friday and a walk-through on Saturday. You've got to be ready at all times, you could be activated because of an injury or any number of reasons."
Though he played at Auburn High School, and his parents still live there, Hall laughingly said his parents are Troy fans. He has one sister who's married and lives in Birmingham. Now they can watch some of Brandon's games on ESPN without necessarily traveling to the Left Coast, and you can bet his would-be Lions teammates will do the same. Gibson will have a challenge replacing his type of talent on the offensive line, but fortunately, there's two weeks of camp remaining to find Hall's replacement.
NOTABLE: Due to steady rain, Friday's practice was called off. Instead the Lions stayed inside and watched film of the last two night's workouts.. Gibson called it "a great mental practice and gave the players a chance to get their legs back for Saturday morning's scrimmage ....... Gibson and Defensive Coordinator Norbert Sullivan head to Daytona Beach afterwards for the World Indoor Football League's first-ever game between the Thunder and Augusta Spartans. Both will scout Daytona Beach, the Lions' first opponent on the road February 26, a Monday night game ....... The Lions' home opener against the Osceola Ghostriders is scheduled for Saturday, March 10 at the Columbus Civic Center, gametime 7:00 p.m.
Lions staff will complete TicketMaster training next Thursday, augmenting box office capabilities. It is expected that by late February, "First-and-Ten Club" and season ticket orders will have been processed and individual game tickets may be put on sale. Exact dates will be announced soon. Preseason ticket sales have been brisk, but there are plenty of good seats available in many affordable price categories.
The Lions are the first franchise in the Civic Center's history to offer field-level corporate boxes with amenities ranging from pre-game buffet with the players, coaches and dance team to waitress service during the games. Corporate boxes may be purchased by the season or by the game. Dasher board and program advertising, promotion sponsorships of all kinds and a variety of group outings are also offered. Visit www.columbuslions.net or call 706-327-7570 for more details.
World Indoor Football League 2 Stories from February 9, 2007
- Lions lineman Hall gets Arena shot in L.A. - Columbus Lions
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