No. 1 2028 Defensive Lineman Kellan Hall Says Ohio State Camp Felt ‘Different,’ Receives Chase Young Comparison From Larry Johnson

One of the nation’s top prospects in the 2028 recruiting cycle left a strong impression on the Ohio State coaching staff at the first of the Buckeyes’ one-day summer camps and took away a comparison to a program legend.

Class of 2028 five-star defensive lineman Kellan Hall got his first look at what it is like to be coached by Buckeye defensive line coach Larry Johnson on Tuesday.

For Hall, a 6-4, 265-pound prospect out of the Christian Academy of Louisville, the experience stood out immediately from the standard recruiting camp.

“It was definitely different. Some camps like to see you work it out, but with Coach Johnson, he gets after you, he treats you like a player, and you really get after it,” Hall said. “It felt like a great work day. I felt like I was one of his players today.”

Currently ranked as the No. 8 overall prospect, No. 2 defensive lineman, and the No. 1 player in Kentucky in the 2028 class according to the 247Sports Composite, Hall said he felt he put his versatility and explosive first step on full display for the Ohio State coaching staff.

“I just like (I showcased) my versatility, I took some outside reps and some inside reps,” Hall said. “I think the drills I did really well in, and just then, when you transitioned to the run, I felt like I looked very explosive.”

That explosiveness did not go unnoticed. Johnson, who has developed a handful of first-round NFL draft picks and national award winners during his tenure in Columbus, offered high praise for the 16-year-old defensive lineman.

According to Hall, Johnson compared his physical tools and early development to former Ohio State unanimous All-American defensive end Chase Young, a comparison Hall said he viewed as a tremendous honor.

“I knew he was a Heisman finalist, and that’s hard to do for a defensive lineman. I just heard the stories, players saying he had to sit out of practice because of how much he affected the game,” Hall said. “So I just see that comparison as something that’s a high honor. (Chase Young) is probably one of the greatest new linemen to ever do it.”

When breaking down the similarities Johnson noted, Hall said it comes down to a blend of physical dominance and the ability to affect the game on multiple fronts.

“The speed, the power. Chase was a wrecker,” Hall said. He’s just a versatile guy, he can stop the run, he can pass rush, and those are all the things (Johnson) said I can do as well.”

Ohio State made a strong early impression on Hall during his visit, but the highly touted defensive lineman said he is approaching his recruitment with a level-headed mindset.

As programs across the country compete for his commitment, Hall said he is focused on building strong relationships, finding the right place to develop as a player, and choosing a school that values academics as much as football.

“I’m looking for places that are going to develop me,” Hall said. “I want to be developed, not just as a player, but as a man. So I want to have a great career. I want to get educated. I want to get a degree. I want to graduate, and I want to build relationships that will last me a lifetime.”

Hall, who received an offer from Ohio State on June 12, 2025, said he’s also been in contact with 2028 five-star defensive line commitment Jameer Whyce of Trotwood-Madison in Dayton.

That vision for his future is one reason Ohio State continues to stand out early in his recruitment. Hall said Whyce has shared plenty about why he chose the Buckeyes, and his messages have resonated with the elite defensive lineman.

“(Jameer) says that (Ohio State) is the greatest ever to do it. You’re at the top, everyone wants to beat Ohio State, he said all the best players want to have competition,” Hall said. “Ohio State gets the best shot from everybody. That’s one thing I believe, I want to be a competitor, and I want everybody’s best shot.”