DeAngelo Hall considers himself one of Tyrod Taylor’s biggest fans

ASHBURN — Being a star football player in the Tidewater region comes with an unspoken responsibility. It means keeping tabs on the next great talent.

That’s how Washington Redskins defensive back DeAngelo Hall became a big fan Tyrod Taylor, even though he is six years older than the Buffalo Bills’ quarterback.

Hall, 32, played for Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, where he was named Tidewater Player of the Year as a senior defensive back and running back. Taylor, 26, went on to star at Hampton as a three-sport threat in football, basketball and track. Both Hall and Taylor also played at Virginia Tech.

“Just down in Tidewater, down in that area, you always know the next hot star,” Hall said. “There are only a handful of high schools that produce these guys. Watching him play in high school, somebody introduced me to him and told me how good he was. I just kept following him. He just became one of the fellas.”

When the Bills visit FedEx Field on Sunday, Taylor goes from being “one of the fellas” to just another opponent. For Hall, the focus is on finding a way to slow down Taylor, who has enjoyed a breakout season with the Bills after spending four years as a backup for the Baltimore Ravens.

In 11 starts, Taylor has completed 63.5 percent of his passes for 2,439 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions. His 100.9 passer rating also ranks fifth and he has also rushed for 371 yards and three touchdowns.

“I love him to death,” Hall said. “He’s like a little brother to me. I’ve known him since he was 13, 14 years old. It was funny, we were talking yesterday. He’s texting me and he was like, ’Man, it’s crazy I’m about to play against you. I can remember watching you in high school playing my high school as a middle school kid.’

“I’m probably one of his biggest fans, but I’m going to be out there trying to pick him off and knock his head off too. It’s going to be fun.”