ESPN Analyst Praises BYU QB Jaren Hall During Win Over USU

SALT LAKE CITY – Former NFL player and current ESPN broadcaster Louis Riddick praised BYU quarterback Jaren Hall during the Cougars’ win over the Utah State Aggies.

Louis Riddick praises Jaren Hall

Riddick and Matt Barrie called BYU’s game against USU on ESPN on Thursday, September 29.

Hall and the No. 19 ranked Cougars beat the Aggies, 38-26.

During the television broadcast, Riddick applauded Hall’s play on multiple occasions.

Thanks @BYUfootball for taking care of us. 👊🏾 pic.twitter.com/u10wDoS0I2

— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) September 30, 2022

One of Riddick’s compliments came during the first half after Hall had already thrown a touchdown pass.

“He’s playing next-level football,” the former Pittsburgh and NFL standout said of the junior signal-caller out of Spanish Fork.

.@jarenhall3's NFL Draft stock 📈

"He's playing next-level football right now." – @LRiddickESPN on Hall during #USUvsBYU #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL @kslsports
🎥: @ESPNCFB pic.twitter.com/U33EMjIH9q

— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) September 30, 2022

BYU’s first drive of the second half resulted in a touchdown pass from Hall to Ethan Erickson. The ESPN commentator loved the dime Hall threw to his tight end.

“That’s a beautiful throw. That’s a perfect throw from one of the best quarterbacks in the country,” Riddick said.

“That’s a beautiful throw. That’s a perfect throw from one of the best quarterback in the country.” – @LRiddickESPN on @jarenhall3 after throwing a dime of a touchdown pass during #USUvsBYU#BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL @kslsports
🎥: @ESPNCFB pic.twitter.com/r5UTSFQuDc

— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) September 30, 2022

Excited to see Hall

Before arriving at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Riddick was excited to see Hall play and let it be known in a series of tweets:

“@BYUfootball QB Jaren Hall is a baller! Seeing him play in person Thursday night going to be [fire].”

“One of the very best players in college football. One of the very best people in college football. Don’t wait until the draft process begins to learn about why this man will be playing on Sundays in the #NFL.”

“See you Thursday night on #ESPN @jarenhall3 . Been looking forward to this.”

Hall vs. Utah State

Hall didn’t disappoint during BYU’s 12-point victory over Utah State.

He finished the game 17/27 passing for 274 yards and three touchdowns with a QBR or 62.2.

On the season, Hall has thrown for 1,438 yards, 12 touchdowns, and only one interception. Those numbers have helped the Cougars to a 4-1 record to start the season.

Hall is currently rising up NFL Draft boards and will likely be one of the first quarterbacks selected in April, according to league experts. The junior was recently highlighted by Riddick’s colleague and ESPN NFL Draft expert Todd McShay.

BYU’s next game is at Allegiant Stadium against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday, October 8 at 5:30 p.m. (MDT). The game will be broadcast on KSL TV and KSL NewsRadio.

Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for sports.ksl.com and co-host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).

Follow @kyleireland