IOWA CITY, Iowa – Since playing 13 games as a true freshman in 2022, TJ Hall has flashed breakout potential at times lining up for Iowa. Injuries and inconsistencies led to him falling into an unproductive cycle that’s kept him from reaching his ceiling. This spring, the California cornerback believed he unlocked the secret to his success.

Hall realized he was pressing. It intensified when responding to a bad play or returning from injury. Then, this spring, he focused on just playing the game. He saw growth.

“I feel like I matured a little bit,” he said. “I’ve been a lot more patient, letting the game come to me, not trying to force any big plays but just doing my job and knowing a big play will happen.”

Again, that was a departure from his previous mindset.

“I was focused on trying to press and make a play and get an interception rather than just doing my job and being patient. At the end of the day, if you just do your job, everything is going to go the right way,” he said.

Hall appeared in the first six games of 2023 before suffering a season-ending injury. He bounced back to play in 12 contests (seven starts) last year, when he earned a Next Man In Award from the program. He recorded 19 tackles (13 solo), one interception, two pass break-ups and a fumble recovery.

Operating within the scheme and carrying out assignments have been on Hall’s to-do list. He didn’t just identify the issue. It’s just taken time to execute the plan.

“As humans, as natural athletes, we always want to go out and do something extraordinary. I met with coach (Phil) Parker and other (defensive back) coaches that were helping me. They said I wasn’t doing bad. They just wanted me to focus on my technique and slowing the game down. That’s what I really focused on,” he said.

Uncharacteristic breakdowns in the secondary led the unit to pay special attention to the details this offseason. The defensive backs could help mitigate the loss of three starting linebackers with improved play. Several guys at the position feel capable of breaking out. The push for playing time is making everybody better.

“It’s a good competition, a healthy competition,” Hall said. “We’re all battling. We’re all trying to be the best that we can be each and every day. No one’s trying to withhold information. We’re all trying to help each other get better. The better we all are, the better our team and defense will be.”

Iowa enjoys a history of defensive backs emerging later in their careers. Hall shares traits with guys that have. At 6-feet, 190 pounds, he’s a bigger cornerback with long arms capable of locking up taller receivers on the outside. Offenses often prey on shorter defenders by going over the top.

Hall also boasts quick-twitch athleticism and smooth hip actions that help him changes directions fast. Those characteristics aid him in sticking with smaller, quicker pass catchers. It’s a skill set that makes a path to playing on Sundays a realistic one, especially now that he’s just playing the game and not worried about making a play.