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Q&A With Hassan Haskins: Michigan Career, Ohio State Win, Pro Day Expectations, Being A Workhorse

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Hassan Haskins for Michigan.

Michigan running back Hassan Haskins ended his college career on a really positive note, earning All-Big Ten honors. With that chapter of his career over, he’s ready to help out an NFL team’s backfield for the 2022 season and beyond.

Haskins made a solid impact in his first full season at Michigan, rushing for 622 yards and four touchdowns in 2019. He then managed to take his game to a whole different level this past fall.

In 14 games this past season, Haskins had 1,327 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns on 270 carries. His best performance of the season came against Ohio State, as the talented running back had 169 yards and five scores on the ground. 

After the 2021 season came to an end, Haskins declared for the 2022 NFL Draft. Haskins had the chance to make a strong impression on coaches and scouts during the NFL Combine earlier this month.

We caught up with Hassan Haskins to discuss his Michigan career, experience at the NFL Combine, why he wants to be a workhorse back and more.

The Spun: What was your NFL Combine experience like?

Hassan Haskins: It was a good experience. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There was a lot of medical stuff we had to do and there were some long days, but it was nice to meet players from all around the country and coaches from all 32 NFL teams.

The Spun: You dominated the bench press. Were you pleased with that number?

HH: I was pleased. I wanted some more, of course, but it was a really good number for me.

The Spun: Which running backs do you like to compare your game to?

HH: A big one is Adrian Peterson. He was that guy and had everything in his tool bag. I feel like I’m the same way. I watched him a lot growing up and try to mimic a lot of what he does on the field.

The Spun: You had a great career at Michigan capped off by a really fun year. Take me through the Ohio State game, what was the celebration like?

HH: It was crazy, especially when all the fans ran on the field. I’ve never experienced anything like. It was exciting just to witness that and be a part of it. I’m so thankful for all the Michigan fans that supported us. That win is a memory I’ll never forget in my life.

The Spun: You had a great performance in that game. Did you know before the game started that you’d be able to run the ball up and down the field on Ohio State? 

HH: Yeah, from the first play we were like ‘This feels pretty good.’ We found out early that we could run the ball on them, so we took advantage of it.

The Spun: Is that Ohio State win your favorite moment at Michigan?

HH: It’s definitely the Ohio State game. 

The Spun: What was it like learning from Josh Gattis? And are you surprised he left for Miami?

HH: I was surprised that he moved on. I thought this was his final destination, but I guess not. Coach Gattis has worked with a lot of great players that are in the NFL, so he has great play-calls and knows what it takes to win. He’s definitely a coach that I’ll miss. 

The Spun: There are so many parts of your game that are impressive. What area of your game are you working on?

HH: I’m trying to sharpen my entire game, but my main focus is improving my blocking form. I know I’ll have to block linebackers at the next level. I also want to fix my footwork between the holes. I’ll need to squeeze into tight windows when I’m in the NFL.

The Spun: What are you hoping to show at your pro day?

HH: A lot of people want to see my 40-yard dash time. Scouts also want to see how I catch the ball. I think I’ll do great in those drills. When the pro day comes, you’ll see some good numbers. It’s going to be fun.

The Spun: Do you feel like you’ll be able to be a workhorse back as a rookie?

HH: That’s the goal, that’s for sure. I want to get a large workload and get playing time. I hope it works out for me and I can show my abilities to the world. Hopefully, it’ll come true one day. 

The Spun: What would it mean to you to hear your name called during the draft?

HH: I’ve been waiting a long time to even get in this position. A couple of years ago, I never ever thought I’d be here. Just hearing my name on draft day will be a memory I’ll never forget. I’ll have so many emotions running through my body that I won’t even be able to pick one. I just can’t wait. 

The Spun: What is an NFL team getting in Hassan Haskins?

HH: I would say you’re getting a guy that loves to compete for everything he earns. I love to win – I hate losing so much. I’m going to do whatever I can, on and off the field, to win. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win. I’m a different breed.

Haskins proved how strong he is at the NFL Combine, recording 27 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.

NFL scouts will keep an eye on Haskins this Friday at Michigan’s pro day. They’ll want to see how he performs during the 40-yard dash and field drills.

If all goes well for Haskins, he could seriously boost his draft stock.

You can read more of our interviews with athletes or media stars here.

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