Ohio State Defensive Tackle Michael Hall An “Oh Yes” Guy For Coordinator Jim Knowles

"Any one-on-one matchups that we create (for him), the probability for success is going to be high."

Redshirt freshman defensive tackle Michael Hall played just seven snaps in Ohio State’s 49-20 win over Michigan State as he’s working his way back from an unspecified injury. He made his presence felt nonetheless, recording three tackles and 2.5 sacks on the afternoon.

“We just thought it would be a good idea to ease him back into the lineup, some place where he could just be aggressive and play fast,” defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said on Tuesday. “That was the plan, and his production for seven plays is exceptional.”

A majority of Hall’s snaps came in the Rushmen package on third down, which allowed him to be fresh and rush the passer alongside senior defensive end Zach Harrison – who has lined up on the interior in recent weeks – and sophomores Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau.

“Obviously, we’d like to play him more and will as he gets healthier,” Knowles said. “But that was definitely the plan this week, and it worked out well.”

More News From Sports Illustrated: College Football Schedule | College Football Bowl Projections | Why Clemson Stands Alone Amongst College Football's Unbeaten Teams | College GameDay Heads Back To Knoxville | Interim Coaches Turning Things Around At Arizona State, Wisconsin

Hall has recorded 13 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in five games this season, as he missed the win over Toledo on Sept. 17. He’s easily been the most disruptive payer on the defensive line so far this season, and the Spartans surely hated to see him run onto the field on Saturday afternoon – even in a limited capacity.

“I hope so,” Knowles said when asked if the other team says, “Oh no,” when Hall enters the game. “I like to see Mike in there because, for me, he’s the ‘Oh yes’ guy. I’m like, ‘Oh yeah, Mike’s ready to go.’ Now that means any one-on-one matchups that we create (for him), the probability for success is going to be high.

“He does change the game for us, for sure.”

-----

Get your Ohio State football tickets from SI Tickets. Also, be sure to check out our new message boards, Buckeye Forums. We'd love to have you part of the conversation during the season.

-----

You may also like:

Ohio State's Ryan Day Discusses Off Week Plans On Radio Show

Report: Former Ohio State OT Kirk Barton Banned From Program

Ohio State LB Tommy Eichenberg Added To Bednarik Award Watch List

Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. Added To Maxwell Award Watch List

Ohio State Names Three Players Of The Game Vs. Michigan State

Ohio State Balancing Kyle McCord’s Opportunities With Respect For Game

-----

Be sure to stay locked into BuckeyesNow all the time!

Join the BuckeyesNow community!
Subscribe to the BuckeyesNow YouTube channel
Follow Andrew Lind on Twitter: @AndrewMLind
Follow BuckeyesNow on Twitter: @BuckeyesNow_FN
Follow BuckeyesNow on Instagram: @BuckeyesNow_FN

Like and follow BuckeyesNow on Facebook!