Terrell Hall Commits to Ohio State: How 4-Star DE Fits Buckeyes Defense

Ohio State secured its seventh commitment of the 2016 recruiting cycle Monday evening, as defensive end Terrell Hall announced his intentions to become a Buckeye:

"

It's OFFICIAL!!! I'm FULLY committed to THE Ohio State university #GoBucks #BuckeyeNation pic.twitter.com/hCBseriTH2

— Terrell Hall (@_TrillTrell_) March 3, 2015"

The 4-star Washington, D.C., prospect spent time in Columbus earlier this winter. The timing of that visit worked perfectly in Urban Meyer's favor, as Hall was on campus during the program's Jan. 24 national championship celebration.

His list of alternative college options has rapidly expanded since then, with offers arriving from Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Wisconsin, Virginia and Michigan last month. Hall ultimately chose Ohio State over nearly 30 schools.

The 6'5", 250-pound playmaker is rated ninth nationally among weak-side defensive ends. He was a second-team All-DMV selection (comprised of players from D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia) last season at St. John's.

Hall competes with respectable passion, displaying relentless pursuit en route to the ball. His physical frame indicates natural talent and dedication to training, setting the stage for him to arrive on campus in 2016 with a college-ready build.

Credit: 247Sports

He provides an excellent complement for sleeker 2016 Ohio State commit Jonathon Cooper, a 6'3", 215-pound prospect who pledged to the Buckeyes last fall. The duo are high-value pickups for veteran defensive line coach Larry Johnson, who will look to utilize them uniquely on the edge.

Hall is impressive off the snap, providing an immediate dent in the offensive backfield with the way he fires through. He exhibits excellent lateral agility at his stature, and elite length allows him to clog lanes or get grips on the quarterback even as an opposing blocker maintains contact.

If you're looking for a defender who plays determined with a "high motor," Hall fits the bill. His efforts help cut off outside lanes for rushers and free up space as linebackers maneuver behind him.

Ohio State lands a commit who could be counted on to immediately contribute in the defensive rotation as a true freshman. Hall is another impressive early pickup for a Buckeyes class that now features six 4-star pledges and 5-star running back Kareem Walker.

Meyer continues to capitalize on the momentum of his third national title, assembling a 2016 crop of prospects that now rates fifth nationally in 247Sports' composite class rankings. 

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.