Hall reacts to Chrysts departure

Four-star running back Darrin Hall has been solidly committed to Pittsburgh since making his decision in August, but the departure of Paul Chryst has made his future less certain.

"It's a little bit of a concern," Hall said. "I am really taking it slow, but if they clear out the whole staff then I am definitely going to use the rest of my official visits.

When it comes to retaining assistants, running backs coach John Settle is the one Hall is particularly concerned for.

"I hope he sticks around," Hall said of Settle. "He is a great coach, has players at the highest level and he is the funniest guy. He is always cracking jokes and is a nice guy to be around."

The only official visit Hall has taken thus far was to Pitt the weekend of Dec. 5. Even with Chryst leaving, there are several aspects about the University and program that continue to attract him.

"The guys are great and the other running backs there are really cool to be around," Hall said. "I really liked the coaching staff and they were also fun to be around. If they stay, I will probably stay with Pitt."

Without knowing what the future holds for the rest of Pitt's coaching staff, though, Hall is starting to make contingency plans.

"The last couple days a lot of schools have been coming back and asking me if I was still committed," Hall said. "They have been letting me know that, 'your coaches might be leaving, and will still have a spot for you.'

"One school is West Virginia. I talked to them yesterday and I was telling them I was still committed, but if Coach Chryst does leave I might be taking my official visits. They talked to my coach today and set up an official visit for January on the 23rd."

Hall has no other official visits scheduled besides the one to West Virginia, and is not sure what schools could be involved if he does decide to take more. He plans to sit down with his head coach in the coming days, however, and put together a list of three or four potential schools to take official visits to.

The 5-foot-11, 196-pound Hall got off to a good start to his senior season with Youngstown (Ohio) Austintown Fitch, rushing for 150 yards and a touchdown in the opener. He tore his meniscus in the fourth game of the season, however, which put him out the rest of the season.