Benjamin Hall talks official visit, recruiting fellow Georgia stars

Last week's official visit to Michigan had a different set of objectives for Benjamin Hall compared to those who were uncommitted.

Obviously, for the latter group, spending three days in Ann Arbor meant a more detailed opportunity to determine their fit at Michigan. But for Hall, it was to be around the other six commits in the 2023 class and to help out with the recruiting efforts.

"It was cool, man," Hall told Maize & Blue Review. "Just getting up there to try to get to meet some new people and build some new relationships. That way I have the lay of the land once I get up there in December."

Hall was one-of-four commits who used their official visit to Michigan that weekend, along with Brooks Bahr, Raylen Wilson, and Deakon Tonielli, who eventually announced his pledge immediately following the trip. The rest of them, including Semaj Morgan and Cole Cabana, were on campus unofficially.

Hall, the four-star running back out of Kennesaw, Georgia, knew that his future teammates were going up for "Victors Weekend" so he had to jump on the opportunity to be alongside them.

Deciding between whether or not to wait to wait and take his official in the fall, Hall had a feeling that using it for a game would mean less chances to build relationships. Going instead for this month meant Hall could go back again for a game and have that experience in hand as well.

During Hall's most recent visit, he spent quite a bit of time with Mike Hart and the entire running back group around the facilities. Hart took part in the festivities with his wife and children so Hall got to meet the entire family.

"(Hart) was always around," Hall said. "We talked a lot. He brought his wife and kids around a lot too. It was good to gauge him about his family and not just him as a businessman or coach. We talked a lot and he also brought in Blake to talk to me too. I asked them a few questions and we watched some film together."

There wasn't much that Hall needed to see regarding the football program that he hadn't already, but getting much accumulated with the campus and town by getting up each morning to run four miles was the perfect alone time to see where every marquee points of interests are located.

Extended conversations with the nutrition plus strength and conditioning staff gave Hall a lot to think about in regards to how he can further improve his frame at the next level as early as next winter.

Hall's individual meeting with Jim Harbaugh didn't last as long compared to the rest of the visitors. But that time was made up the next day when the pair got to catch up and for Hall to explain his goals once he arrives for spring camp next year.

"Our meeting didn't last long but we caught up at the next day over breakfast and chatted for about two hours," Hall said. "(Harbaugh) is always dropping little bits of knowledge to put his perspective of things. I just think he's a really smart guy and coach."

Tavierre Dunlap played host to Hall, who also hung around names like Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. Learning what it takes to be successful as a running back at Michigan was important to understand for Hall, who appreciates how everyone is supportive of one another.

"It was cool hanging with (Tavierre)," Hall said. "He already knows the place because he's been there for a good amount of time. He's used to the area and the people there so it was good to connect with him and being more aware of who I'm going to be with and how I should handle things. He told me that I obviously made the right choice (laughs) and to get ready when I get up there in December."

When it comes to fellow recruits, Hall was paired in a small group that consisted of Morgan and his teammate at West Bloomfield in four-star interior lineman Amir Herring. After becoming quick friends over the weekend, Hall is confident that Michigan will be able to land Herring early next month when he makes his decision.

Being around Bahr again meant for Hall to get to know the former's immediate family. Bahr and Hall committed roughly two weeks apart back in March after meeting each other on an unofficial visit during spring camp.

Hall and the rest of the commits also got to the ear of Wilson, who's coming off other official visits to Georgia and Florida. Hall is confident of everyone's ability to push forward the idea of Wilson remaining in the class after the weekend spent together.

When it comes to Tonielli's commitment, the news didn't come as a surprise to Hall, who called it good for the Illinois native and three-star tight end to go public with it so soon.

"All of them are really cool," Hall said. "Just getting to talk to them and seeing how I am compared to them. Taking some bits of knowledge from them and try to develop that into myself and my game. Everyone wants everyone to succeed there and for everyone to do their thing this year."

While Paul Mubenga and Kayden McDonald didn't take their respective visit to Michigan the same weekend as Hall, both are consistently communicating with the North Cobb High star. It's part of Hall's initiative to bring a southern feel to the 2023 class.

Hall believes that like Herring, the Wolverines are in a great spot for Mubenga, who's expected to make his decision next month. Hall wants to return to Ann Arbor the same time as McDonald and Mubenga with the three thinking about riding up together for the BBQ at the Big House.

"I pretty much talk to Paul every day, texting him about his interest (in Michigan)," Hall said. "We're hoping to link up soon. I think we're both going to that barbecue at the end of July. Definitely Kayden as well. Trying to get all of the Georgia boys up there with me. Everyone on my official, I chatted with, and trying to get Paul and Kayden up there with me."

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