4-Star Terrell Hall Opens Up on Decommitting from Ohio State and What's Next

Terrell Hall has altered his approach—on and off the football field—during recent months. 

The Washington, D.C., defender transformed his body following a dominant junior campaign, packing more than 30 pounds onto a physique that now stands 6'5", 256 pounds. Now weeks before the start of his final high school season, Hall is relaunching a recruitment that seemed settled.

The 4-star prospect ended a three-month commitment to Ohio State on Monday afternoon.

"I love Ohio State's atmosphere, but I need to make sure I find the best fit, and that means I have to explore some options. Regardless of which school I pick, you can't go wrong with any of them," Hall told Bleacher Report.

The St. John's College standout, rated 10th nationally among weak-side defensive ends in composite rankings, is particularly compelled by the unknown.

"I started to think about the possibility of playing positions other than a 4-3 defensive end," he said. "I like how Alabama sees me as a 3-4 outside linebacker who can still play some defensive end. It also gives me an opportunity to drop back in pass coverage and show off my athleticism. That versatility is attractive to NFL teams."

Professional football is an ultimate goal for many members of a star-studded 2016 class, and Hall is no exception. A recent visit to Tuscaloosa made Hall rethink which collegiate route could help him achieve that dream.

"Apparently people think I decommitted because of [new 5-star Ohio State commit] Nick Bosa, but I've been expecting him to commit. It had nothing to do with my decision, because I'd been on the verge for a while, really since my Alabama visit in June," Hall said. "I liked Ohio State, but it was the first big school that I visited. That trip to Alabama urged me to open my eyes to other opportunities."

His list of options continues to expand. Florida and Oklahoma both extended scholarship offers Tuesday.

"I grew up a fan of Florida. They told me they've liked me for a long time, and now that I'm decommitted, that's a school I think will really recruit me hard," Hall said. "I would highly consider taking an official visit there."

He plans to utilize all five official visits before making a decision. That almost assuredly pushes his next commitment announcement beyond this season, according to Hall.

Ole Miss, LSU, Georgia, Texas A&M and UCLA are other programs he mentioned as potential destinations on his official visit itinerary. Alabama is "definitely" on that list.

While Hall is excited to spend time at new campuses, his focus remains on finding the right fit through research.

"I'm looking at every school with an open mind about how I might fit as an athlete on defense," Hall said. "If I take an official visit to a school, it's because I know the coaches and I are on the same page."

He isn't exactly sticking to a specific script, considering several variables at the next level.

"I can play middle linebacker, defensive end and outside linebacker. I bring a lot to the table," Hall said. "It makes it hard for an offense to find a way to stop me. You have to worry about where I am before the snap—whether I'm going to drop back in coverage, rush off the edge or line up over your guard."

His high school team implements him at linebacker and on the defensive line, where he tallied 19 tackles for loss last season. However, his playing weight has since ballooned from 222 to 256 pounds.

"I've added a lot of strength without sacrificing my athleticism," Hall said. "I try to eat about every two hours, and I worked out at least six days per week before training camp started. I want my body to be all muscle."

Under the training guidance of former Rutgers football player Sean Washington, his maximum bench press has increased from 275 to 405 pounds during the past year.

"These workouts can be a lot like the fourth quarter, you've got to keep pushing through them," he said. "I know it's going to pay off on the field."

Hall, who remains open to an Ohio State recommitment, believes the added physicality further enhances his status as an elite 2016 talent.

"The reason I'm the best defensive end in this class is because of all the things I can do outside of the regular position. I allow the defense to do things it wouldn't be able to do otherwise," he said.

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.