Breece Hall: From Iowa State Standout to NFL Star

Breece Hall, born on May 31, 2001, is an American professional football running back who currently plays for the New York Jets in the National Football League (NFL). Before making his mark in the NFL, Hall established himself as a dominant force during his college career at Iowa State University. This article delves into Hall's impressive college statistics, high school career, and transition to the NFL.

Early Years and High School Dominance

Before stepping onto the field at Iowa State, Breece Hall showcased his talent at Wichita Northwest High School in Wichita, Kansas. During his final two seasons, he amassed nearly 5,000 scrimmage yards and over 70 total touchdowns. As a three-star prospect, Hall received offers from several programs, including Michigan, Ole Miss, Kansas State, and TCU.

Iowa State Career: A Cyclone Legend

Hall attended college at Iowa State. Hall made an immediate impact as a true freshman for the Iowa State Cyclones. He started seven of his 12 games, rushing for 897 yards and nine touchdowns on 186 carries. He also contributed in the passing game, adding 23 receptions for 252 yards and another score. His outstanding performance earned him first-team All-American honors.

In 2020, Hall elevated his game, exceeding 100 rushing yards in eight consecutive games to start the season. He concluded the year with a college football-leading 1,572 rushing yards on 279 carries and 21 touchdowns. Additionally, he caught 23 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. Hall's exceptional performance led to him being named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-American. Hall rushed for over 100 yards in eight straight games to start his sophomore season. Hall finished the season as the FBS leader in rushing yards with 1,572 on 279 carries and 21 rushing touchdowns while also catching 23 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns.

Hall continued his impressive form in 2021, accumulating nearly 1,500 rushing yards, 36 receptions, and 23 total touchdowns. He once again earned first-team All-American and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors.

Read also: Explore Haas Hall Academy

Hall's College Statistics Overview

Hall finishes his time in Ames with 718 carries for 3,941 yards and 50 rushing touchdowns in 36 games.

Freshman Year: 186 carries, 897 rushing yards, 9 touchdowns, 23 receptions, 252 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
Sophomore Year: 279 carries, 1,572 rushing yards, 21 touchdowns, 23 receptions, 180 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns
Junior Year: Nearly 1,500 rushing yards, 36 receptions, 23 total touchdowns

Hall was an impact player from his true freshman year onward and went on to set the NCAA record for consecutive games with a rushing touchdown at 24 straight games.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Hall is a big, powerful back with tremendous vision and a well-rounded skill set. There is a lot to like about Breece Hall. He was productive right out the gate as a freshman and just got better and better over time. His skills as both a receiver and pass protector will warrant three-down usage at the next level. His coaches will love him. He follows his blocks and never fumbles which will only help him get on the field in a big way right out the gate. Hall proved at the NFL Combine that he is an incredible athlete with elite size-adjusted traits. While this 2022 class may not be as strong as we’ve seen in recent years, Hall ranks right up there with some of the top backs from the 2020 and 2021 classes.

If there’s a knock on Hall, it’s that his pass catching work is pedestrian as he caught 23 passes for 180 yards in 2020.

NFL Career: New York Jets

The Jets traded up to draft the top back in the class early in the second round. Hall has yearly top-12 fantasy running back written all over him and he will be a cornerstone piece to build around in dynasty. It’s an elite landing spot for Hall who will be an excellent fit in the outside zone running scheme that the Jets run. He will easily supplant last year’s fourth round pick Michael Carter to become the three-down bellcow. In an offense that is among the most improved from a talent perspective, Hall should have immediate success.

2022 Season

In Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, Hall finished with 127 yards, including an 83-yard run, as the Jets won 22-16 in overtime. During Week 5 against the Denver Broncos, Hall finished with 177 rushing yards, including a 72-yard touchdown as the Jets won 31-21. During Week 8 against the New York Giants, Hall had a 50-yard receiving touchdown, finishing with 76 receiving yards and 17 rushing yards as the Jets won 13-10 in overtime.

Hall's promising rookie season was unfortunately cut short due to an ACL injury. The Jets placed Hall on injured reserve.

2023 Season

Hall was placed on the Active/PUP list before being activated. The week after playing against the Atlanta Falcons, Hall was fined $43,709 for a hit he made on A.J.

2024 Season

During Monday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1, Hall finished with 127 yards, including an 83-yard run as the Jets won 22-16 in overtime. During Week 5 against the Denver Broncos, Hall finished with 177 rushing yards, including a 72-yard touchdown as the Jets won 31-21. During Week 8 against the New York Giants, Hall had a 50-yard receiving touchdown, finishing with 76 receiving yards and 17 rushing yards as the Jets won 13-10 in overtime.

NFL Statistics Overview

Notable Games:
- Week 1 vs. Buffalo Bills (2024): 127 total yards, including an 83-yard run
- Week 5 vs. Denver Broncos (2024): 177 rushing yards, including a 72-yard touchdown
- Week 8 vs. New York Giants (2024): 76 receiving yards, 17 rushing yards, 50-yard receiving touchdown

Personal Life

Hall has multiple family ties to professional football. His father, Bernard Hall, played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners and in the Arena Football League. His step-father, Jeff Smith, played for the Chiefs and Buccaneers over a four-year NFL career. His cousin, Kenton Keith, had a brief stint in 2004 with the Jets, which would later become Hall's team, as well as a season with the Colts in 2007. He also spent six seasons in the CFL.

Read also: Remembrance and Progress

tags: #breece #hall #college #stats