Pirates Add WR Hall for Playoff Push
July 27, 2019 - National Arena League (NAL)
Massachusetts Pirates News Release
The Massachusetts Pirates have signed former University of Central Florida wide receiver Rannell Hall to add depth to their receiving corps. Hall's most recent playing experience was with the Orlando Apollos of the Alliance of American Football where he played in eight games catching a touchdown pass under the guidance of the "Head Ball Coach," Steve Spurrier.
"It was a great experience," Hall said. "It was a league that I found out about just months before it started. It was in Orlando and I had played four years there at the University of Central Florida. Unfortunately the league folded but it was worth it for the eight games that we played," he added.
Now Hall is looking to bring his experience to the Pirates.
"I'm going to be able to bring a log of versatility and a lot of big plays. Arena football is an exciting game and I'm going to bring a lot of explosive plays."
That's exactly what Pirates President and General Manager Jawad Yatim had in mind when he made the acquisition.
"I felt like we needed to add another option on offense, Yatim said. "We've been getting a little too stagnant against good teams and those are the same teams we will have to get through to get to where we want to go. The kid has a great pedigree. He's a great route runner, has consistent hands and can move well. We just needed another weapon to complement our current receiving corps as we head into the playoffs. We're glad to have him on board," Yatim added.
Hall was a standout at UCF from 2011 through 2014 appearing in 49 games where he had 145 receptions for 2,051 yards and nine touchdowns. He also scored two rushing touchdowns on 43 carries while gaining 264 yards.
His most productive season was his junior season as he was voted his teams' most outstanding receiver when he had 57 receptions for 886 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 15.5 yards per reception.
After college, Hall played in the Senior Bowl and then signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Later in 2015, the 6'1" 195 lb. wide out signed with the Cleveland Browns where he spent parts of two seasons on their practice squad.
2018 saw the native of Miami, FL on the practice squad with the Atlanta Falcons. That same season Hall signed with the Orlando Apollos of the Alliance of American Football. After the league ceased operations, Hall signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.
Now he's happy to continue his career in the National Arena League with the Pirates where he says he will be able to "play football freely, have fun and enjoy playing the game."
"It's actually exciting," Hall said with a smile. "I never really thought about it (arena football) initially coming out of college but I've watched a few games. I also have a few friends that play in different divisions and it's actually very exciting. I've only been here for a couple of days now, but I'm really loving the experience. The team has great chemistry."
Hall was a member of the American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team in 2013. He'll need those skills to learn his new playbook quickly.
"I've been playing football since I was five years old. Learning the offensive schemes is something that is second nature to me, so it will be a quick turnaround," He said.
The Massachusetts Pirates are members of the National Arena League (NAL). The Pirates play all home games at the DCU Center located at 50 Franklin St. Worcester, MA. 01608. For more information on the Massachusetts Pirates please call (508) 452-MASS (6277), email contact@masspiratesfootball.com or visit www.masspiratesfootball.com. Single game tickets are available online at ticketmaster.com or the DCU Center Box Office. For group outings please call 508-452-MASS (6277). Follow the Pirates on Facebook at Facebook.com/MAPirates on Instagram @mass.pirates, as well as Twitter @mass_pirates.
National Arena League Stories from July 27, 2019
- Sharks Shred Preds with a Record-Breaking 85-30 Victory - Jacksonville Sharks
- Pirates Add WR Hall for Playoff Push - Massachusetts Pirates
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