University of Michigan running back Hassan Haskins doesn’t have to wait long for his performance against Ohio State to come up during his conversations with NFL teams.
The third-team All-American and All-Big Ten ran roughshod over the rival Buckeyes during a victory last season, rushing for a school-record 5 touchdowns as he gained 169 yards on the ground.
“All the time,” Haskins said in a telephone interview with Pro Football Network. “The NFL loves that game.”
Michigan RB Hassan Haskins prepared for the NFL Draft
Haskins has visited the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Detroit Lions leading up to the NFL draft.
Haskins (6-foot-2, 228 pounds) has worked out privately for the New Orleans Saints. Among his meetings was a private dinner with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“I’ve got to sell myself to teams,” Haskins said. “They’re going to get somebody that helps them win. I’m determined and willing to help this team win. I’ve got it all. I bring a lot to the table that other players don’t have and aren’t willing to do to help a team win. Everybody seems like they love me. There’s been no negative feedback.”
The Ohio State game was the kind of performance that reminded NFL scouts, coaches, and executives of Haskins’ powerful running style and how he tramples defenders.
Haskins is recovering well from a high ankle sprain suffered in a playoff game against Georgia that sidelined him in the Senior Bowl all-star game. While the injury kept him out of agility drills at the NFL Combine, Haskins still bench pressed 225 pounds 27 times.
“I’m feeling amazing right now,” Haskins said. “My foot feels good. I’m running and doing all kinds of stuff. I’m ready to rock.”
Playing for Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, Haskins gained a lot of knowledge from the former San Francisco 49ers head coach.
“It was a lot of fun,” Haskins said. “He’s an interesting guy. He’s a smart dude. He’s prepared me to go to the next level. He has a lot of fun sayings.”
A former Missouri prep Offensive Player of the Year from St. Louis, Haskins rushed for a career-high 1,327 yards and a Michigan single-season record 20 touchdowns last season.
From linebacker to hard-nosed running back
A versatile player as a former linebacker, Haskins rushed for 622 yards and 4 scores in 2019. He led the Wolverines with 375 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns in a COVID-19-shortened season in 2020. He finished with 2,324 career rushing yards, 30 touchdowns, and a 5.1 average per carry for the Wolverines.
“I focus on playing between those white lines,” said Haskins, who’s represented by 26-year-old Wasserman agent Quincy Peyton, a former Arkansas Tech defensive back. “That’s all that matters. I’m a football player. They’re going to get a person who’s going to work, that’s dedicated to the game and being a team player. I’m going to bring that extra fuel. I know winning, and I love winning.”
A former basketball player and high jumper, Haskins rushed for 2,197 yards and 31 touchdowns as a senior in high school. He even added 9 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries, returning 1 for a touchdown.
As a junior, Haskins generated 12 sacks as a defensive end with 1,509 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns.
When Haskins isn’t playing football, he spends his time relaxing with his girlfriend and is an avid movie watcher, especially the Harry Potter series. His favorite restaurant when he’s home is “Sweetie Pie’s Upper Crust.”
“It’s fire,” he said. “It’s different. It’s soul food. I love it. Being from St. Louis means a lot, I put the whole city on my back. I represent for the older generation and the newer generation. I’m trying to put St. Louis on the map.”