Former Choctaw star signs with NY Giants

By JARED MACARIN

jaredm@nwfdailynews.com

DJ Hall heard the names of 35 wide receivers called during the two-day NFL draft.

None were his.

The former Choctawhatchee and University of Alabama standout, however, will still live his professional dream as he signed a free agent contract with the New York Giants on Monday.

Hall picked the Giants, the defending Super Bowl champions, over offers from five other teams.

"It feels good," Hall said. "I get opportunity to do what I wanted to do my whole life. The Giants are giving me that, and I'm glad they had the confidence in me."

Hall said what he liked the most about the Giants was their pursuit of him. Hall will report to the team's rookie camp on May 8.

"They showed the most interest," he said. "I really just want to play, but also play for a team that has an interest in me and they had the most."

In his career with the Crimson Tide, Hall set numerous season and career receiving records, including career yards and receptions. He also holds the record for most games with 100 receiving yards and had two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. His 17 touchdown catches are second on the all-time list.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder with sub 4.5-forty speed was expecting to hear his name called during the draft, but said it doesn't matter anymore.

"There's not much you can do about it," he said. "I thought I would go. I wasn't worried about what round. I just feel like my talent and what I can do for a team and how I work, I'll be able to fit on somebody's roster."

After the draft was over, the calls began to come in with offers. Now, Hall has made his decision and is ready to get started.

"I never have any regrets," he said. "I'm blessed to have this opportunity."