Jordan “Big Baby” Hall Primed for Breakout Season After Battling Injuries. Every college football player arrives with dreams of stardom, but for some, the road to making an impact is more challenging than expected. Georgia defensive lineman Jordan “Big Baby” Hall knows this all too well. Now entering his third season with the Bulldogs, Hall is eager to finally match his on-field performance with the hype that surrounded his arrival in Athens.
A former 5-star recruit from Jacksonville, Florida, Hall was ranked as the No. 2 defensive lineman in his class. However, stress fracture injuries in both legs derailed his first two seasons. Now, after undergoing surgery and an arduous recovery process, Hall is turning the corner and ready to step into a leadership role for the Bulldogs in 2025.
Overcoming Adversity
For Hall, dealing with injuries was an unfamiliar and mentally exhausting experience. “That was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with mentally in my life,” he admitted. “I’ve never been hurt before, ever. Not being able to walk, in the hospital bed, like, during fall camp … I broke down.”
But Hall didn’t stay down for long. After months of rehabilitation and determination, he’s back on the practice field and proving why he was so highly regarded coming out of high school. Though he estimates he’s currently at “75 to 80” percent of his full potential, his progress is undeniable.
A Key Piece for Georgia’s Defense
With Georgia losing key defensive linemen Warren Brinson, Nazir Stackhouse, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins to the NFL, Hall’s return to full strength is critical. His head coach, Kirby Smart, has taken notice of his efforts and named him as one of the players expected to step up.
“He’s looked much better and much more healthy — he had his pins taken out, screws taken out,” Smart said. “So, he’s practiced better so far this spring than he did at the end of last year. We need him to be an integral part of the leadership on the team.”
Smart also pointed out that Georgia as a whole is not yet meeting the program’s high standard. Some players have struggled to embrace the demanding culture that has turned the Bulldogs into an NFL pipeline. However, Hall’s work ethic and resilience set an example for younger players.
Mentoring the Next Wave
One of those young players Hall is keeping an eye on is 5-star freshman Elijah Griffin. Hall had high praise for the talented newcomer, acknowledging his strength and potential.
“I was not as strong as he was when I first got here — you could tell why he was a top-five recruit in his class,” Hall said. “He’s got a lot, a lot more work to do, but he’s going to be a good one. He’s a hard worker and good work ethic. Strong as an ox.”
Ready for a Big Season
With Georgia once again aiming for an SEC title and another College Football Playoff run, Hall knows his role is bigger than ever. His journey from injury setbacks to a potential breakout season is a testament to his perseverance.
“I wouldn’t say I’m 100 percent, but I’m better than before, so that’s a blessing,” Hall said.
If Hall continues on his current trajectory, he could become one of Georgia’s most important defensive pieces in 2025. The Bulldogs will need him at his best, and after two years of frustration, Hall is finally ready to deliver.
