Hinsdale South’s Robert Hall was a standout defensive back as a junior, leading the Hornets with four interceptions last season.
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For an encore as a senior, Hall is having an impact on the offensive side of the ball, as well, while still anchoring the defense for Hinsdale South.
During the Hornets’ 45-38 overtime loss to District 86 rival Hinsdale Central on Friday, Oct. 14, Hall grabbed 11 catches for 125 yards as a slot receiver. His success at wide receiver is the result of hard work over the summer.
“In the offseason we had the 7-on-7 team,” Hall said. “So I was able to work on my routes and catching the ball and trying to get yardage after the catch.
“Sometimes, our quarterback (Sean McCormack) and the receivers would go out to the field and do work on our own. So I got used to the offensive side of the ball.”
McCormack saw during those drills just how much Hall could add this season to the Hornets’ arsenal of wide receivers.
“Robert has been great,” McCormack said. “Coming into the offense this year, he has been playing amazing. He is just doing it all.
“I knew he could catch. We had him during 7-on-7 playing some slot. I knew he could make some plays.”
Against the Red Devils (7-1), McCormack threw for over 400 yards, and Hall, Connor McCormack and Ravon Johnson each eclipsed over 100 receiving yards.
The Hornets’ passing game has come together despite entering the season with a new starting quarterback and receiving corps.
“We have been getting better because we have really started getting used to our quarterback,” Hall said. “We started getting more comfortable. We knew we could do some damage because of our ability. We have more weapons on the field to spread the ball around.”
Catching his breath — and not the ball — has been the hardest part about playing offense, Hall said.
“Definitely staying on the field, playing all the time,” Hall said, who also returns kicks for the Hornets (5-3). “Playing both sides of the ball, you rarely get off the field, so I have to get that energy up.”
Hall’s smooth transition to playing on both sides of the ball was not a surprise to Hinsdale South coach Mike Barry, who said the senior has all the tools to be successful.
“He is a captain and a leader; he is an AP student,” Barry said. “He is just an unbelievable, great character human being. I cannot say enough good things about him.
“He works his butt off in the weight room in the offseason. Hopefully, someday my sons will grow up to be like him. He is just a great human being.”
Hall wants to continue playing football in college and hopes that the offensive skills he added to his highlight tape might land him a scholarship.
Even though he has made a big difference on the Hornets offense, Hall remains true to his defensive roots.
“I like defense more than offense, because you get to hit people and really change the game,” Hall said.
Patrick Kelly is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
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