The Minnesota Vikings drafted quarterback Jaren Hall in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Hall was a star in college, putting up massive numbers throughout his career.
But where did Hall play before being drafted?
Where Did Jaren Hall Go To College?
Hall played for the BYU Cougars from 2018 through 2022. He appeared in 31 games, including 22 starts from 2021 and 2022. He was previously Zach Wilson’s backup.
The 6’1”, 205-pounder played an electric style of football in college. His strong arm, quick release, and mobility allowed him to execute an offense that became one of the most efficient units in the country.
Some of Hall’s stats read like a video game. He completed 65.2% of his 718 career attempts, totaling 6,174 yards, 52 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also ran for 796 yards and eight scores.
For as well as Wilson played before Hall, it was the latter who was often more impressive in college. But Hall was 25 when he graduated, making him one of the oldest drafted quarterbacks in recent history. His age was likely a factor as to why he fell to the 164th overall pick before hearing his name called.
Regardless of his age, Hall entered rare company in BYU history. His completion rate tied NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young’s collegiate mark. He also set a school record with his low interception rate.
Hall won a handful of awards for his on-field performance throughout his career. His list of accolades includes: Independent Offensive Player of the Year, Independent Quarterback of the Year, and All-Independent First Team by College Football Network (2022), Phil Steele All-Independent First Team (2021, 2022) and Pro Football Network Independent Quarterback of the Year (2021).
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Interestingly, Hall is one and a half years older than Wilson, who is a third-year NFL pro this season.
Hall was born in March of 1998 and is a 25-year-old rookie from the 2023 NFL Draft class. Age works against the Cougars product, as did his size for more cerebral QB evaluators. But one thing working in Hall’s favor was the relative lack of depth in the 2023 NFL Draft QB class.
C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson, and Will Levis all went in the early rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft, and Hendon Hooker was taken in Round 3. But after that group was gone, the scarcity of the 2023 QB class began to show. Hall was part of the next tier off the board, going in Round 5 to the Vikings.
Hall may be older, but he’s experienced, talented, and productive. Those qualities may bode well for him, especially after a career-best 2022 campaign that saw him complete 66% of his passes for 3,171 yards, 31 touchdowns, and six interceptions while adding 346 yards and three scores on the ground.
Hall didn’t end up being the early-round pick that he was at times projected to be, but he still has a profile strong enough to fuel potential spot-starter appeal. And with Kirk Cousins’ long-term future under question, Hall adds another dynamic to the situation.
Whether Hall replicates his collegiate success with the Vikings or is more of a backup in the NFL, he was an incredible player for the Cougars with a long list of accolades that most can only dream of accomplishing.
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