Jaren Hall Expecting Big Things, Health Heading Into 2022 Season

PROVO, Utah – Last year, BYU quarterback Jaren Hall was banged up from the get-go of the 2021 season. He was injured in the win over Arizona State but proceeded to miss the next two against South Florida and Utah State, plus he was held out of the Independence Bowl loss to UAB. His health is of the utmost importance this season.

Being healthy is one thing Hall is thankful for in addition to knowing throughout the offseason that he would be BYU’s starting quarterback. That allowed him to get all of the important first-team reps and also very few, if any, live reps as he was not only experienced but a returning starter.

A Healthy Season For BYU QB Jaren Hall

Hall’s mobility is one reason he has a tendency to get banged up. He rushed for a modest 307 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games last year, so that is always a possibility if he takes a hit. This year is poised to be different Hall told Alex Kirry and Scott Mitchell of Unrivaled during his weekly appearance.

“A healthy one as long as I can control that football is a wild game,” Hall said. “I guess, again, in part of my preparation, the way I’ve grown this off-season is mentally, and I think understanding football better, understanding defenses, I think that’s the best way to stay healthy, staying ahead of the other teams, staying ahead of the defense and executing better than they do. So for me, that’s my goal and then that’s my task at hand, to make sure I’m making the smartest play possible and keeping myself available for every game.”

“Last year, there were some times it was very uncomfortable, but that’s part of the game,” Hall added. “So, coming in fully healthy, having a very veteran wide receiver room around me.”

“Last year, obviously there was a quarterback battle. So we’re kind of in and out, not getting as many reps. So this fall camp has been a lot of live reps against our one defense. That’s been the most helpful thing is to go against those guys.”

Getting those reps over and over and not having to split will only make Hall better and a more confident quarterback.

Under The Radar Pass Catchers?

BYU has depth at the wide receiver and tight end positions but those units are not fully healthy. Tight end Isaac Rex said he is about 85 percent and might not be fully healthy until the end of the season. Then there is Gunner Romney who gave an update during his weekly appearance on Jake and Ben and said he was “hopeful” to play in Week 1 against the South Florida Bulls.

“No, not at this point. I think we’re kind of taking it game-by-game,” said Romney. “I’m hopeful and I’m hoping that I get to play this weekend. But you know, we’ll see come game time what the decision is overall.”

Eight #BYU football players have been named captains for the 2022 season.#BYUFootball https://t.co/eigU8fEKhM

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) August 29, 2022

With Romney’s status up in the air and Rex not fully healthy, Hall is going to have to rely on a few names that have not been mentioned all that often during fall camp. He is confident in the younger guys to step up and make plays when their number is called.

“Two guys that come to mind are Chase Roberts, this local kid from [American Fork] here a real playmaker,” Hall added. “Then Kody Epps, [he is a] smooth route runner and a kid that a lot of people should be very excited for his future. That goes to both of them.”

Expect a few new guys to get live action this week against South Florida and a chance to impress the coaching staff to see if they can climb up the depth chart to earn more playing time as the season goes along. Depth will be needed not only with a few guys banged up but it will be hot and relatively humid in Tampa with this Week 1 game kicking off at 4 p.m. local time.

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