AF Academy Cadet Hopes for NFL Deal

The Air Force Academy senior is attempting to land a job with the Atlanta Falcons as a punt returner -- a position of need for the rebuilding franchise.

The standout running back/wide receiver from the Air Force Academy is also trying to capitalize on the military's rules allowing academy graduates to defer or reduce their military commitments in order to play in the NFL.

"Being with the hometown team is big, but just getting an opportunity to make a team is big," said Hall, of Norcross. "I'm glad I'm getting the opportunity. I'm competing very well. I just have to see what happens."

Caleb Campbell, who played safety and linebacker at Army and was drafted in the sixth round by Detroit last month, has drawn widespread attention because the Army established a policy that would allow him to play in the NFL immediately. He would uphold his military commitment by working as a recruiter.

The Army's new policy is not universal to all military academies, and Hall would have to abide by Department of Defense rules that academy graduates complete two years of service before applying for early release to pursue professional athletic careers.

"The Air Force's policy that we couldn't play for two years, that's how it was right before the draft. Teams looked at that and said, 'We might check back in two years,' " Hall said. "I want to serve. That's why I went there, to serve my country. I'm looking forward to doing that whenever that time comes."

If things don't work out with the Falcons -- which gave him a try out this weekend -- Hall said he would return to the academy's Colorado Springs campus and then honor his five-year military commitment to the Air Force.

For Hall, the concerns about Air Force policy might not be the biggest obstacle in making it to the NFL.

The 5-foot-8, 180-pounder was not drafted. He wasn't signed by any of the 32 teams as a free agent. His size and military obligations likely worked against him.

Still, the Falcons gave him a tryout at their three-day minicamp. If he impresses, he could be invited back for offseason workouts.

"We had so many calls on this kid from board members to people out in the public raving about him," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. "We wanted to get a chance to see him in the mix."

Said Falcons coach Mike Smith: "The only time I saw Chad Hall was I was doing some TV scouting, and Air Force played Notre Dame on a Saturday afternoon. We had a road game, and I watched this guy almost single-handedly beat Notre Dame. He ran all over them. Our scouting department had a free-agent grade on him, though, but we thought this would be a great opportunity for him to come in and compete."

Entering combat in the Middle East isn't an immediate course of action, Hall said. He is scheduled to graduate May 28 as a second lieutenant, then work at the Air Force prep school.

A call to war can never be ruled out. "We all made a commitment, and we all want to serve," Hall said.

Accepting challenges is nothing new for Hall. Neither is conquering them.

"One thing about Chad, he's always had to do this," said Chad's father, Jay Hall, one of eight family members at the Falcons' morning practice Sunday. "He's always been the small guy. God gave him two quick feet, but he always had to be the hardest worker. He's always been small, but he's always managed to overcome, and that's why he's getting the opportunity today."