Ole Miss OT transfers to Mizzou

Two years ago, Russellville, Ark., offensive tackle Mitch Hall picked Ole Miss over Missouri. He signed with the Rebels in February 2011.

On Friday, Hall announced he is transferring from Ole Miss, his new destination being Missouri.

"It started after Coach (Houston) Nutt left," Hall said. "Some things happened with my brother there and I thought I needed a fresh start. Missouri is the next best thing."

His older brother, Matt Hall, was a starter at tackle for Nutt's final season in 2011, after transferring from Arkansas. Matt Hall was arrested in April for a littany of charges, including DUI, simple assault and domestic violence. Matt Hall is no longer on the Ole Miss football team.

Mitch Hall, a redshirt freshman, said the process to transfer to Missouri began on Monday. He was granted a release by Hugh Freeze, with the one condition that he could not transfer to an SEC West program.

"I guess I got lucky that Missouri is in the East," Hall said.

Hall reached to a former high school coach, asking for help in contacting Missouri. The Tigers' staff showed immediate interest, and by Thursday, the transfer was complete. Hall, who was driving from his home in Russellville to Columbia during this interview, will arrive in Columbia around 12:30 PM Friday.

The biggest reason for picking Missouri was his relationship with the coaching staff.

"I really like the coaches," Hall said. "It's a good fit for me. I wish it was a little closer to home, but they're worth driving a littler further for."

The 6-foot-6, 315-pound tackle said he was orginially under the assumption that he would have to sit two years if he transferred to another SEC program. However, he's been assured that isn't the case, and believes he'll have three years remaining. Hall redshirted in 2011.

"All they've said is that I'll have to sit one year," Hall said.

SEC By-law 14.5.5.1 reads, "A transfer student from a member institution shall not be eligible for intercollegiate competition at another member institution until the student has fulfilled a residence requirement of one full academic year (two full semesters) at the certifying institution. Further, a transfer student-athlete admitted after the 12th class day may not utilize that semester for the purpose of establishing residency."

Missouri's fall semester begins on Monday.