Flowery Branch — Chad Hall spends much of his days looking into the skies that will shape his future, one way or another.

The Wesleyan High product is attempting to land a job with the Falcons this weekend as a punt returner — a position of need for the rebuilding franchise.

The Air Force Academy standout running back/wide receiver is also trying to capitalize on the military's rules allowing academy graduates to defer or reduce their military commitments in order to play in the NFL.

"Being with the hometown team is big, but just getting an opportunity to make a team is big," said Hall of Norcross. "I'm glad I'm getting the opportunity. I'm competing very well. I just have to see what happens."

Army safety/linebacker Caleb Campbell, who was drafted in the sixth round by Detroit last month, has drawn widespread attention because the Army established a policy that would allow him to immediately play in the NFL. He would uphold his military service commitment by working as a recruiter in his downtime.

The Army's new policy is not universal to all military academies and Hall could have to abide by the Department of Defense rules that academy graduates complete two years of service before applying for early release to pursue professional athletic careers.

"The Air Force's policy that we couldn't play for two years, that's how it was right before the draft, teams looked at that and said, 'We might check back in two years,' " Hall said. "I want to serve. That's why I went there, to serve my country. I'm looking forward to doing that whenever that time comes."

If things don't work out with the Falcons, Hall said he would return to Colorado Springs to honor his five-year military commitment to the Air Force in return for a government funded education from the academy.

For Hall, the concerns about Air Force policy might not be the biggest obstacle in making it to the NFL.

The 5-foot-8, 180-pounder did not get selected in the NFL draft. He didn't even get signed by any of the 32 teams as a free agent. His size and military obligations likely worked against him.

Still, the Falcons gave him a tryout at their three-day minicamp. If he impresses, he could get invited back for offseason workouts.

It's the longest of long shots.

"We had so many calls on this kid from board members to people out in the public raving about him," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. "We wanted to get a chance to see him in the mix."

Said Falcons' coach Mike Smith: "The only time I saw Chad Hall was I was doing some TV scouting and Air Force played Notre Dame on a Saturday afternoon. We had a road game and I watched this guy almost single-handedly beat Notre Dame. He ran all over them. Our scouting department had a free-agent grade on him though, but we thought this would be a great opportunity for him to come in and compete."

Entering combat in the Middle East isn't an immediate course of action, he said. He is scheduled to graduate May 28 as a second lieutenant then work as an air officer commander the Air Force prep school.

A call to war can never be ruled out.

"We all made a commitment and we all want to serve," Hall said.

Accepting challenges is nothing new to Hall. Neither is conquering them.

"One thing about Chad, he's always had to do this," said Chad's father, Jay Hall, who was one of eight family members at the Falcons' morning practice Sunday. "He's always been the small guy. God gave him two quick feet but he always had to be the hardest worker. He's always been small but he's always managed to overcome and that's why he's getting the opportunity today."