Michigan State football: Retaining Jordan Hall is huge for new staff

Jordan Hall went on a podcast on Tuesday and said that he doesn’t intend to transfer which is huge news for Michigan State football.

When looking at the future of Michigan state football, it’s hard to imagine the program without a solid defense. With Jonathan Smith coming in with an offensive background, it’s a change from the typical defensive background the head coach has had most recently. Smith’s hiring of Joe Rossi helps from Minnesota from shape the vision behind the Spartan defense.

Another key element of the vision is Jordan Hall. Luckily, the Spartan fanbase likely won’t have to worry about this key piece of the defense, as he made his intentions clearer on Tuesday evening on the “This is Sparta MSU” podcast.

”I will be there in January,” Hall said. 

Sticking around?

Hall was featured as a guest on “This is Sparta MSU” a podcast with former Spartan legends Jason Strayhorn, Otis Wiley, and Jehuu Caulcrick.

Hall, with some egging on from the Spartan hosts, gave a big hint towards his intentions within the program. The freshman phenom spoke highly of his first impressions from the new staff. Regarding the future of the program and him being in it, Hall mentioned all of his interactions with new staff have been positive. As well as the outlook of what the program looks like and how it aligns with his values for a program. Each coach has made it a strong point of emphasis to meet everyone on the team. He also mentioned the new staff’s background of turning programs around. 

“So it’s safe to say, Jordan Hall will be in the green and white next season,” said Jehuu Caulcrick.

The question was met with snickers from everyone and a sly smile from Hall. He answered with a slightly reserved response, but one where someone could easily infer that his plans are a positive for Spartan fans. My opinion on this is that Hall is approaching his decision with professionalism while giving the new staff a real chance, but also understanding that college football is a business. 

Building block for new staff

Otis Wiley commended Hall’s infectious energy all throughout the year, but asked if Jordan could spread some light on some issues on the defensive side, that he felt this new staff could try to turn around.

Hall made some comments that can only be inferred stating, “No offense to our old offensive staff… I love those guys, they came in, I mean we were all dealt a pretty bad hand last season…but I felt like a big issue we had was the defense was on the field a lot. We held the No. 11 team at the time to 13 points in the first half, which I think is great defensive play.” 

Another cool piece from the Tuesday evening interview was how highly Hall spoke of newly appointed defensive coordinator Joe Rossi. Jordan mentions how Rossi is close friends with Billy Miller, who was his head coach during his time at IMG Academy. He also stated that during their first conversation over the phone, Rossi had prepared five parts of Hall’s game that he was going to help him develop at. Hall spoke highly of that moment with Rossi and that he liked that, because he feels like he doesn’t get those comments despite all of the praise. It stuck with him because it didn’t feel like he wasn’t just trying to get him to stay, and felt like he was excited about the opportunity to get to work, if Hall was as well. 

Freshman phenom

It’s hard to put Hall’s impact from his freshman season into just a box score or a statistical category. Although he did finish fourth on the defense in total tackles with 67, and second in sacks with 4.5. Add in a forced fumble and second in tackles for loss, the statistics are likely what earned him a spot as an honorable mention on the Freshman All-American team.

What stood out to me was Hall’s leadership. 

As just a freshman, being put into the situation he was is often unheard of from Big Ten linebackers. And because of MSU’s personnel, Hall was often put into a coverage position, not his forte but also he was arguably the Spartans’ best player in that position. Despite Michigan State having veteran leaders like Aaron Brule, Cal Haladay and Jacoby Windmon in the room, Hall’s consistent leadership and communication on the field always caught my eye. Ordering players around based on alignments he was seeing, and physically putting teammates into better positions at times. It’s a rare trait to have, but one Michigan State linebackers have had for decades. 

Jordan Hall: Part of the program

Jordan Hall is likely going to be one of those Spartans that embody the program. One of those names that goes hand-in-hand with Michigan State football. In fact, he might already be there. He was on top of the board for me as a guy who Jonathan Smith should work to retain.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention not only Jordan but his mom’s (Momma Hall) importance and prominence among the Spartan faithful. It’s part of the family atmosphere that Michigan state provides. Jordan Hall is going to play an important role in 2024. He’s going to play an important role for a program that’s moving in a new direction. And luckily, we’re going to get to see him do that in the green and white. At least for the spring, that is.