Hinsdale South running back Robert Hall flips switch to safety

When Hinsdale South junior Robert Hall found out he was switching from a running back to safety this season, he knew exactly who to reach out to for advice.

His grandfather Corey Cooper played safety for Purdue, graduating in 1984, and also participated in a Chicago Bears training camp. Hall’s uncle, Corey Cooper Jr., is a fifth-year safety at Nebraska.

“When I told them about my position change, they helped me a lot,” Hall said. “They told me since I was a running back the transition would be pretty easy for me. They kept me focused and told me everything was going to be OK and I would be a big asset to the team.”

Hall had been a running back his entire football career, including last season on varsity, but embraced the position switch.

“I was actually excited,” Hall said. “Before I came to Hinsdale South I had always been a running back and I wanted to show the coaches I could play both positions. I like hitting, so it’s good.”

One teammate who helped Hall’s transition was his good friend Ravon Johnson, a junior wide receiver. They both live in Willowbrook and played football and basketball together at Burr Ridge Middle School.

“We went to the field before the season started and ran routes against each other,” Johnson said. “We played one-on-one. We’re always competitive with each other and want to get revenge if one of us beats the other. I think it’s helped us both become better players.”

Hall still gets occasional reps at running back and has also proven to be a dependable punter returner.

“What we look for in a safety is a guy that can have good vision and as a running back, he developed that,” Hinsdale South coach Mike Barry said. “A safety on defense is trying to run through open gaps, so a safety plays like a running back. He’s done an excellent job of judging the ball in flight, which was a concern coming in.”

While Hall has played a key role in the team’s success, there was a learning curve since he had never played safety before. But he looked like an experienced veteran during the Hornets’ season-opening victory over Romeoville. He had 12 tackles to set the tone for the rest of the season.

“I’m getting used to it,” Hall said. “Before the season started I would go to the field and prepare myself. At first, I had to get my footwork down and learn how to catch the ball. Eventually it became easier for me and I started making plays.”

The 5-foot-9, 180-pound Hall, also a sprinter on the track team, has grown to appreciate the value he brings to the team as a safety.

“I like the position better than running back, which surprises me,” Hall said. “When you’re a running back and scoring touchdowns, everyone knows your name, but I learned how important defense is, too.”