By CRAIG PHILLIPS Derrick staff writer Oil City graduate Brandon Hall will enter his senior season at Lafayette College as an integral member of the Leopards' football team, which will be on a mission to defend its championship in the NCAA Division I-AA Patriot League. Lafayette is coming off an 8-4 campaign and a 5-1 record in the Patriot League, in which it tied Lehigh for the title despite defeating the Mountain Hawks. Expectations are high for the Leopards and Hall, a 2002 OC graduate who was recruited as a quarterback, says he and his teammates enjoy the challenge. “We love it, actually,” Hall said. “There's undoubtedly going to be some teams gunning for us and we like that. We're going to be very hungry this year.” Hall, who converted from quarterback to tight end in the spring of 2004, received the majority of repetitions at tight end during spring practice. He was thrust into the role as No. 1 tight end after returning starter Chad Walker strained a hamstring and was pulled after fourth practice. “After that, I was the lone tight end to run with the first team … for basically the entire spring,” Hall said of Walker's injury. Hall, who checks in a 6-3, 225 pounds, was pleased he had the opportunity. And, he made the most of the valuable experience. “It was exactly what I needed, not for (Walker) to get hurt, but to get the exposure against the first-team defense,” Hall said. “It was the best thing that could happen to me, both receiving and blocking against the first-team defense. “I really was able to establish my blocking,” he continued. “It was no secret I had to work on (blocking). The will and intensity was there, I needed to work on technique.” Hall wasn't concerned with his ability to catch the football. “The receiving was there,” he said. “I even shed a little weight to gain some speed.” Hall had a 20-yard catch in the team's spring game, which helped the White defeat the Maroon, but it was his blocking which impressed head coach Frank Tavani and his staff. Lafayette's coaches named him the most improved offensive player of spring practice at halftime of the team's Maroon and White game. Tavani, during the waning days of spring practice, said, “(Hall) may be having the best spring of everyone. He came in here as a quarterback and it's taken some time. But he's catching the ball, blocking and doing all the little things. “He's really come into his own,” Tavani continued. “He's really learned to use his athleticism. He blocks with a good blocking base.” Hall was appreciative of the award and looks forward to being the backup tight end. “I was very, very happy about (the award),” he said. “I've been working very hard all spring. It was probably one of the greatest honors I've ever received.” Once a long snapper for punts and placement kicks, Hall tore ligaments in left hand and now needs to have the hand heavily taped to play tight end. “I'm still available on a need basis in case our first-string (long snapper) goes down,” said Hall, who will stay on the Easton campus this summer to train. “I plan on putting on a solid 10 pounds and hopefully keep my speed,” he said. “I can't wait for the start of the season.”