Q&A: Former SEMO star linebacker Zach Hall transitions to pro rugby

One of the most menacing linebackers to play in the Football Champion Subdivision, Southeast Missouri State alum Zach Hall continues to punish ball carriers.

He doesn't need a helmet these days.

Hall — winner of the 2018 Buck Buchanan Award, the FCS level's most prestigious defensive honor — has transitioned to professional rugby.

The two-time All-American and one-time Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year is a member of the Denver, Colorado-based American Raptors, which has a roster littered with ex-Division I and short-time NFL players.

Hall, a key cog in the Redhawks' 2018 and 2019 FCS playoff appearances and program turnaround, recently played in The Spring League — a professional football developmental league — but was never presented an NFL or CFL contract.

He still hopes football can pay his bills one day and is using high-level rugby as a means of preparation.

Collingwood: Two years ago, you probably envisioned yourself on a Canadian Football League roster — or at least an NFL practice squad to get your foot in the door — when you were helping SEMO win an OVC title. But life has taken you on a different course with a different sport. How is that going?

Hall: Good. After I left college, I tried to get the next level, whether it be the CFL or NFL. Did all of that, which was an eye-opening experience. I did a Pro Day, never heard back from any teams. I talked to 10 teams before the (2020) NFL Draft started, after the draft I heard back from one, and it wasn't a tryout or anything. Then I played in The Spring League in San Antonio under (former NFL head coach) Jerry Glanville, then I played on the Indianapolis team under the same staff. I went to a (rugby) tryout and had been hearing from the Raptors for a while, had a former Spring League teammate on the team, and I wanted an opportunity to stay active. I thought it would be worth trying something new.

Did you hear from any CFL teams?

I've heard from some in past couple months, but nothing concrete. Nobody pulled the trigger and I got tired of waiting, honestly. I figured I could either develop a career in rugby or maybe it can lead me back to football.

What do you think has kept you from getting a CFL contract or at least an NFL undrafted free-agent camp invitation?

Good question. A lot of things I've heard about my play is speed. But that's an opinion, really. And I'm only 5-foot-11 and 230-something pounds. I'm not the biggest, most athletic freak and my numbers don't really pop out. I wouldn't say that those are the sole reasons, but those are probably the knocks on my ability

Your junior and senior seasons at SEMO was the program's most successful two-year stretch in its Division I history. What is your fondest memory?

Game-wise, beating Jacksonville State my junior year. They came to our house and we pretty much crushed them (37-14). It was a lights-out game. It was the best moment of my career because it felt like the program turned the corner. Our job was to change the program and a create new legacy.

SEMO had a rough start this season but is now 2-1 in what appears to be a wide-open Ohio Valley Conference. Have you been keeping tabs on your old team?

I've been paying attention, but unfortunately my rugby games are often played on Saturdays when SEMO plays. There are still guys on the team that I played with, I'm still real close with coach (Tom Matukewicz). I definitely stay connected.

Was the transition from football to rugby a natural thing for you?

I didn't know anything about it. I just started in August, and I saw you had opportunity to also run the ball along with tackling. I tackled a lot in college, so I figured I would give it a try. Running the ball adds extra excitement and a little treat for all of your hard work. In college, the only time I got the ball was on a turnover. I get to compete, be on a team, learn and grow and develop a new skill that I previously never thought of pursuing.

And I'd imagine that's how many of teammates feel, considering several played at a high Division I level and had cups of coffee in the NFL and CFL.

We're a bunch of guys who played football at a high-level or maybe didn't get that call, or got cut or injured. The football world is pretty cutthroat. You're either in or you're out, and once you're out, it's very hard to get back in. We're trying to find our way and learn and will possibly pursue other opportunities in rugby or football.

Ryan Collingwood is a sportswriter for the Southeast Missourian. He can be contacted at rcollingwood@semoball.com