Hall will pursue academics, athletics at Florida A&M
Two-way football star not sure what position he'll play at the next level
BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and FloridaA&MUniversity obtained one of the area's premier student-athletes when they signed Metuchen High School senior Joe Hall.

Hall, Metuchen's defensive end and offensive tackle the past four seasons, heads to the Sunshine State June 18 to begin training with the Rattlers. After getting offers from such schools as Georgetown and Howard University, Hall went with Florida A&Mwhen the school offered hima full ride.

"The funds weren't there from the other schools,"Hall said. "WhenA&Mofferedme a half scholarship for both academics and athletics, it became, 'Why not have a full ride?' "

A true scholar, Hall has maintained a grade point average near the 3.5 mark at Metuchen and plans to studymechanical engineering in Tallahassee.

"Mathematics is definitely my strong suit," Hall said. "I also am good at architecture, so I figured I would combine them in a course load I can handle and do well at."

"I've volunteered at the local YMCA and I'm enrolled in the community service class at the high school,"Hall said. "Iwas also fortunate enough to spend two summers on the campus of Princeton University to take courses in the W.E.B. DuBois Scholars program. The courses were taught like college classes, and students needed a certain amount of credits to finish the course. It taughtme a lot aboutAfrican-American culture."

Hall's interest inAfrican-American studies iswhat prompted himto accept the scholarship offer from the predominantly African-American and Latino university.

"Metuchen is a great place, but it is pretty small and predominantlywhite,"Hall said. "I think it is very important forme to immerse myself inmy culture the next four years.Experiencing different things is something everyone needs to be open to."

On the football field, many things, includingwhereHallwill play for theRattlers, remains to be seen when summer camp opens.

"Where I'll be playingwill depend on personnel," Hall said. "I'll have to be prepared, because at the college level everybody is fast and strong. I know the school and the coaches are very serious about keeping players in shape. They have a great new gym, and the facilities have everything you could want as an athlete."

Of course, Hall's departure from the Metuchen Bulldogs will most likely be bittersweet. Hall has enjoyed his playing career with theBulldogs and rates the trip theDogs made to the state semifinals his junior season as a highlight.

"Playing for coach Ulmer was great," he said. "I could really see his coaching style evolve. This yearweweren't loadedwith talent like the year before, and it was interesting to see coach Ulmer change his approach with the younger players. The fact that we averaged seven wins a season during my four years is a pretty significant accomplishment. I'mproud of our accomplishments, and it was nice that football and academics gave me options."