Hall Finding Home in the Middle of Deacs’ Stout Defense
9/19/2025 8:14:00 AM | Football
“Just do your job and we’re going to be a good defense,” - Aiden Hall
Through much of Wake Forest Spring Camp and the front half of Fall Camp, it was the defense that seemed to have a step or two on the offense, and the suddenly deep and talented linebacker corps was a big part of that.
With returning contributors Dylan Hazen, Quincy Bryant and Aiden Hall joined by Washington State transfer Frank Cusano, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Scotty Hazelton has a bevy of lethal defensive weapons at his disposal.
Hazen, Bryant and Cusano each tied for second on the team with five tackles in the opening night victory over Kennesaw State. Junior Aiden Hall contributed three.
"I learned about myself that I actually am valuable and the team needs me," Hall said during Fall Camp. "So when I'm out, it kind of makes me realize how much the team needs me. When I'm here, I give it my all."
Hall arrived at Wake Forest after a stellar prep career in the Class of 2022, where he racked up 143 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, five pass breakups and two sacks during his senior season. His nose for the football and ability to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage made him one of the most productive defenders in his state.
That production carried over quickly once he reached Winston-Salem. Hall became one of the rare players in the Clawson Era to play as a true freshman, seeing action in every game, while recording 22 total tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack. He notched a career-high six tackles against Florida State, proving he could compete at a high level against elite ACC competition.
Hall's role expanded further last season. He played in nine games, finishing with 12 tackles, including six solo stops and one sack. His best performances came against the league's heavyweights: five tackles at Clemson, and a sack as part of a four-tackle effort against North Carolina. Those moments gave him confidence heading into his junior campaign.
Now, Hall finds himself in the middle of one of the most competitive position groups on the Wake Forest roster.
"Oh yeah, it's a nice competition," Hall said. "Coach hasn't made it clear who the starter is yet, but we're not worried about that. We're just competing every day, making sure we have depth, because that's the biggest thing in football. It's a long season, and you never know who's going to go down or who's going to need to step up."
Hall said the linebackers are emphasizing versatility and chemistry, making sure any combination can work together.
"We're trying to create this narrative: it doesn't matter who you end up with, just do your job and we're going to be a good defense," he said.
While the linebacker room has grown deeper, Hall points to the defense's collective communication as the biggest change since he arrived on campus.
"Honestly, I couldn't single out one position, but one skill set the whole defense has improved on is our communication and our eyes," he said. "I feel like we're reading our keys and we're talking. If you can read your keys and talk about it, then you can play."
That unity has translated into the defense flying around during practice — a hallmark of the spring and early fall sessions. Much of Hall's development has come from facing elite competition in practice, especially going head-to-head with senior running back Demond Claiborne.
"He's a ballplayer," Hall said with a smile. "I'm not going to lie — I love practicing and playing against Demond because it sharpens my steel. Iron sharpens iron. Whenever I see him, I actually smile. I know that he's going to give his best, and I'm going to give my best. I love competing with him."
Perhaps most importantly, Hall has built a strong connection with Hazelton.
"I love that guy," he said. "Me and Coach Hazelton — I feel like we think the same. I'm a big-picture person. He's the DC, so of course he has to be big picture. That aspect of himself makes us mesh together," Hall said. "Especially with AP (assistant coach, linebackers Adam Pilapil) — he's so philosophical and he knows the game. I feel like everything just meshes completely well."
With returning contributors Dylan Hazen, Quincy Bryant and Aiden Hall joined by Washington State transfer Frank Cusano, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Scotty Hazelton has a bevy of lethal defensive weapons at his disposal.
Hazen, Bryant and Cusano each tied for second on the team with five tackles in the opening night victory over Kennesaw State. Junior Aiden Hall contributed three.
"I learned about myself that I actually am valuable and the team needs me," Hall said during Fall Camp. "So when I'm out, it kind of makes me realize how much the team needs me. When I'm here, I give it my all."
Hall arrived at Wake Forest after a stellar prep career in the Class of 2022, where he racked up 143 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, five pass breakups and two sacks during his senior season. His nose for the football and ability to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage made him one of the most productive defenders in his state.
That production carried over quickly once he reached Winston-Salem. Hall became one of the rare players in the Clawson Era to play as a true freshman, seeing action in every game, while recording 22 total tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack. He notched a career-high six tackles against Florida State, proving he could compete at a high level against elite ACC competition.
Hall's role expanded further last season. He played in nine games, finishing with 12 tackles, including six solo stops and one sack. His best performances came against the league's heavyweights: five tackles at Clemson, and a sack as part of a four-tackle effort against North Carolina. Those moments gave him confidence heading into his junior campaign.
Now, Hall finds himself in the middle of one of the most competitive position groups on the Wake Forest roster.
"Oh yeah, it's a nice competition," Hall said. "Coach hasn't made it clear who the starter is yet, but we're not worried about that. We're just competing every day, making sure we have depth, because that's the biggest thing in football. It's a long season, and you never know who's going to go down or who's going to need to step up."
Hall said the linebackers are emphasizing versatility and chemistry, making sure any combination can work together.
"We're trying to create this narrative: it doesn't matter who you end up with, just do your job and we're going to be a good defense," he said.
While the linebacker room has grown deeper, Hall points to the defense's collective communication as the biggest change since he arrived on campus.
"Honestly, I couldn't single out one position, but one skill set the whole defense has improved on is our communication and our eyes," he said. "I feel like we're reading our keys and we're talking. If you can read your keys and talk about it, then you can play."
That unity has translated into the defense flying around during practice — a hallmark of the spring and early fall sessions. Much of Hall's development has come from facing elite competition in practice, especially going head-to-head with senior running back Demond Claiborne.
"He's a ballplayer," Hall said with a smile. "I'm not going to lie — I love practicing and playing against Demond because it sharpens my steel. Iron sharpens iron. Whenever I see him, I actually smile. I know that he's going to give his best, and I'm going to give my best. I love competing with him."
Perhaps most importantly, Hall has built a strong connection with Hazelton.
"I love that guy," he said. "Me and Coach Hazelton — I feel like we think the same. I'm a big-picture person. He's the DC, so of course he has to be big picture. That aspect of himself makes us mesh together," Hall said. "Especially with AP (assistant coach, linebackers Adam Pilapil) — he's so philosophical and he knows the game. I feel like everything just meshes completely well."
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