Hassan Haskins was the thunder in Michigan’s thunder and lightning backfield duo with Blake Corum last season.
After getting drafted in the fourth round Saturday, the 6-foot-2, 228-pounder is hoping to bring the same thunderous punch to the Tennessee Titans’ backfield, which features the 2019 and 2020 NFL rushing leader Derrick Henry.
“I just feel like I’m a powerful back, but I’ve got everything in the tool bag,” Haskins told reporters Saturday. “I run angry. I don’t want to get hit in the backfield or none of that. I’m trying to gain yards and get those extra little YAC (yards after catch) yards. I’m just a powerful, aggressive runner.”
Haskins was ranked outside of the top 900 recruits coming out of Eureka (Missouri) High School in the 2018 class and switched to linebacker early in his Michigan career. Reverting back to his old position after one season proved to be an apt decision for Haskins, who led the team in rushing each of the past two seasons.
He was a focal point of the Wolverines offense in 2021, totaling 1,327 rushing yards and a program-record 20 rushing touchdowns on 270 carries, helping the team win a Big Ten title and reach the College Football Playoff for the first time.
Although Haskins suffered an ankle injury in the Dec. 31 Orange Bowl that kept him from competing in the Senior Bowl and some drills at the NFL Scouting Combine, his game impressed the Titans enough for them to draft him with the No. 131 overall pick.
“He is a downhill, between the tackle, stretch and cut runner,” Tennessee general manager Jon Robinson said after the draft. “His long speed is good. I don’t think he is going to be a 4.2 guy in the open field, but it’s usually the first guy doesn’t bring him down very easily. I like, stylistically, the way he carries a football.”
Haskins’ hard-nosed style became a trademark of Michigan’s offense in 2021. He regularly churned out yards after contact and had just six carries for loss last year.
“It’s a mindset,” Haskins said. “My mindset is different. I just feel like I can’t be stopped by anybody.”
Haskins said the Titans were one of three teams he met with in person before the draft and believes Tennessee is an ideal fit.
“They like to run the ball,” he said. “I love that about the team. They love running the ball. They have a bigger back like Derrick Henry. I feel like I’m a bigger-type back. I just feel like they love their running backs and they love running. They love that physicality. I feel like I’ve got it all so I’m just ready to work, get down there and have some fun.”
After rushing for 169 yards and five touchdowns in a 42-27 win over Ohio State last season, Haskins will now have a former Buckeye as a head coach in Mike Vrabel.
“I had talked to him a couple of times,” Haskins said. “I just felt a good connection with the running backs coach and whoever I talked to during the process. Ohio State was a big rivalry, but I’m just here to play. I’m just ready to rock and ready to work.”
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