After life-changing experience in Spain, Draycen Hall ready to hit the football field at NAU

After being away for two years in Spain on a two-year church mission, and with COVID-19 creating so much uncertainty and anxiety this year, Draycen Hall felt he couldn't leave Arizona again.

The former Gilbert Higley High School running back, who made The Arizona Republic's All-Arizona team in 2016 and 2017, said he will resume his football career at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. He will play this spring.

"I got back from my mission in Spain and had a life-changing experience," Hall said. "I am now fluent in Spanish and learned so much as I served others. I felt that I grew as a person and my perspective changed, as well."

He said the whole COVID-19 situation had a big impact on his college decision. He had committed to Southern Utah after a brilliant high school career, in which he ran for 4,572 yards and scored 85 touchdowns.

As a junior, the 5-foot-9, 180-pound Hall was named the Gatorade Arizona Football Player of the Year, when he moved from slot receiver to tailback and took off. He had 2,298 rushing yards and a total of 40 touchdowns, and 248 points, with 29 of his TDs rushing. He also returned five kickoffs for touchdowns and had 666 yards on 16 kickoff returns.

"Draycen is excited and ready to go," said Higley coach Eddy Zubey, who coached Hall in high school. "He has been working out ever since he got back. He is going to do great at NAU. That's a great for him and his skill set."

Hall said that NAU offensive coordinator Aaron Pflugrad did a great job recruiting him to be a running back.

"I was away for two years and it helped me realize that I want to stay in Arizona and make an impact in my home state," Hall said. "Coach Aaron Pflugrad has been one of the best recruiters and he reached out to me shortly before I came home to the United States.

"I was able to hear what Coach Chris Ball was all about and what NAU was trying to do differently. They are recruiting good guys. They have really nice facilities and academic programs to help the athletes. The culture is changing and I want to be a part of it, especially in my own state."

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.

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