Former Michigan running back Hassan Haskins doesn’t mince words, not even when it comes what sort of backfield situation and what kind of scheme could be best for him at the next level.
“I just want the ball in my hands,” Haskins said in an exclusive interview with the Texans Wire.
It comes as no surprise from the lead senior who just helped Michigan to one of their best seasons in school history. Haskins ran for 1,327 yards and 20 touchdowns as the Wolverines won their first Big Ten title since 2004 and the program’s first ever College Football playoff appearance.
Haskins flashed a powerful running style in 2021 that featured him running through or jumping over opponents at far too frequent a pace. His performance was integral in Michigan developing the tough-nosed football style that separated them from teams of year’s past.
Delivering a conference title and putting Michigan back on the national stage was long overdue for Haskins. He spoke briefly about his recruiting process.
“Coach John Harbaugh came down to my school and watched me practice and that’s when I first realized they were interested. When I finally visited Michigan I fell in love with it…. Coach Harbaugh taught me a lot. He taught me about the next level and how to be prepared, getting me ready for the long run and to pursue my dream in the NFL”
Speaking of that hard-nosed running style? It’s exactly how they finally beat Ohio State, the first time during the Harbaugh era. A snowy game in tough Michigan weather played perfectly to the strength of the Wolverine’s run game and allowed them to eat the Ohio State passing attack alive.
Playing no small role, Haskins put the ball in the end zone five times during that performance.
“(Beating Ohio State) That feeling was crazy, I’ve never experienced anything like it in my life. It was a different vibe preparing for that week and I just had to go out and show the world that we could do it.”
His time as the big man on campus, as fondly as he’ll be remembered, is officially coming to a close. Haskins is one week away from becoming an NFL running back. His college production and success all but guarantees that one of the 32 teams will take a chance on #25 during this weekend’s NFL Draft.
Haskins knows exactly the kind of contribution he can bring to an NFL team.
“I feel like I have a lot of attributes but the #1 main thing is the power. I like to run people over and be physical. Just run over people and dominate my opponent. I think I can do it all though.”
The Houston Texans are certainly in need of another running back. Currently the group is led by former Indianapolis Colt Marlon Mack and longtime New England Patriot Rex Burkhead. It’s probably the No. 1 position group on the team that could use an influx of youth if the Texans are to revitalize their offense in 2022.
It’s no surprise that Houston has shown interest in Haskins. They have spoken to him personally, attended the pro day and have multiple selections around the day three range analysts project the Michigan star to go. Haskins spoke fondly of his experience thus far with the Texans.
“I spoke to the running backs coach (Danny Barrett), and he was at my Pro Day as well. The Texans ask a lot. I also spoke to the offensive coordinator, Pep Hamilton, and he was at Michigan my first year and that was a good conversation as well.”
He’s the type of powerful runner with the college pedigree that Houston claims they’ll covet in any prospect this draft. People who can find the creases in defense and attack the way Haskins can tend to have long NFL careers and the team could use attacking attitude.
As Houston seeks to build a foundational culture, Haskins thinks he can be a positive aspect in that regard anywhere he goes.
“A lot of people gravitate to me, I’m a good teammate and hard working… I try to lead by example and do the right thing. I’m not the guy to tear someone down I like to encourage people and build them up.”
Nick Caserio picked a Michigan guy in last year’s draft in Nico Collins. This year’s draft will reveal whether Caserio looks to another Wolverine to shore up the run game.
