Rivals100 DE is tops in Virginia

Fairfax (Va.) Robinson has been known to produce some top players over the last decade or so. Rivals100 defensive end Olu Hall could be the best of the bunch.

With names like Mike Imoh, Cary Wade, John Kinzer and Chase Anastasio all signing with D-1 programs over the last two seasons, Robinson is a common stop for college recruiters. More than 30 different coaches came through Robinson this Spring, all looking for the same player.

"Olu is getting some major attention," said Robinson head coach Mark Bendorf of his 6-foot-5, 220-pound rush end. "Olu started on our team as a sophomore, which is saying something, and he made some big plays for us."

Hall, who currently lists Virginia Tech, Virginia, Ohio State, Clemson, Syracuse, Wake Forest and Boston College as his favorites, isn't tipping his hand about who leads. He has offers from all of his favorites.

"I will say that Virginia Tech and Virginia have the egde because I've been to both schools," he said. "I was at the Tech Spring Game and I went to UVA's Junior Day in February. I liked both of them quite a bit but I got to see Virginia Tech a bit more because I spent a few days there. I stayed in the dorms with my ex-teammate, Cary Wade."

Are his other ex-teammates, John Kinzer and Mike Imoh, working on him to attend Tech?

"Not really," he laughed. "Not as much as Cary is. He always comes back into town and checks up on me. I've known him all my life."

Hall runs the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds and is very explosive from his end position. However, many schools want him as an inside or outside linebacker.

"Boston College is the only school that told me I was a pure defensive end in their system," he said. "Everyone else I like said they will see how I grow. I just want to play defense, but I like the defensive line a little better."

Hall runs the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds and is very explosive.

"He has a very quick first step and he's very active along the line," said Bendorf. "He has a very big upside, which is what the coaches see in him. He has the frame to put on another 30-40 pounds and keep his quickness."

Bendorf, like Boston College, sees him strictly as a rush end.

"He's a very good pass rusher and plays strong against the run," he said. "A team will want his speed to the outside and his ability to get after the quarterback."

Virginia Tech has signed three of the last four D-1 players from Robinson (Anastasio being the exception -- he signed with Notre Dame). Do the Hokies have the edge?

"It's way too early for all of that I think," said Bendorf. "Olu is just starting to learn about some of the schools he likes."

Hall thinks he knows where his coach would like him to go, although he says Bendorf doesn't get involved in the process.

"He's leaving the decision to me and just provides insight," Hall said. "But I think he's a Tech guy, at least that's the way it seems. That won't affect me at all and, like I said, he wants what is best for me."

Despite his neutral stance right now regarding leaders, Hall did say that the Hokies and Cavaliers will certainly be finalists for his services. As for the out-of-state schools...

"Right now I'd like to see Clemson and Ohio State on official visits if I could," he said. "I'll probably take all five visits and decide later in the process."

As a junior, Hall made 58 tackles (13 for a loss) and he had three sacks. He also led his team in quarterback hurries. He is currently ranked as the No. 63 player in the country by Rivals.com.