NASHVILLE - Hassan Haskins was selected in the fourth round (131st overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. The former Michigan standout was a workhorse back for the Wolverines, where he rushed for 2,324 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns in his college career in Ann Arbor.
As a rookie, the 6-foot-2, 228-pound runner, Haskins showed his ability in limited work, carrying the football 25 times for just 93 yards, though he was a stalwart on special teams in his first season.
Entering his second season, Haskins now finds himself still running third among his position group, behind Derrick Henry, of course, but also behind rookie standout Tyjae Spears, who has burst on the scene spectacularly so far during OTAs and minicamp.
While some players might be upset about this development, Haskins is content with his role and waiting for opportunities to come.
"You know, I just keep working. My whole life, I've had to work," said Haskins. "I've always had to compete with a lot of people and just win. So I'm just competing and working, and I'm just happy for all the guys who come out here and do their jobs, so it's been fun competing."
Like the rest of his offensive mates, Haskins has to learn a new offense with different schemes and terminology; he's taking to the transition.
"It's been pretty good, you know. I've been in my playbook more, studying more and just coming out here and executing what I need to do," Haskins said. "I just keep stacking these days and having fun."
As for having fun, and considering he's behind both Henry and Spears, Haskins smiled and shared this.
"It's been fun, really. You know, it really is, just seeing what Derrick's been doing and just seeing all the running backs have been doing," continued Haskins. "It's a great opportunity to learn from different guys and see how different guys play, and I'm just piggybacking off what they've been doing and just learning and trying to help myself come out here each and every day and just have fun."
When asked about the difference between last season with Todd Downing and this season with Tim Kelly, Haskins shared this thought.
"I can't say too much, but he's (Kelly) been on a roll, so I'm just listening to whatever they've got to tell me, and I feel like it's the right path. So I just want to keep listening and learning from Kelly and see how this season goes."
Haskins work has not gone unnoticed by head coach Mike Vrabel. My question elicited the funniest response of the session when my phrasing of the question of Hasking being the forgotten man brought Vrabel to respond.
"I haven't forgotten him," said Vrabel.
"From the media standpoint, " I replied.
"Well, that's your fault; that's not my fault (laughter)," quipped Vrabel.
"I'm trying to take care of that now," I replied.
"Hassan was, and it actually came up again today, and Frank (Piraino, Director of Strength and Performance) and I were talking just before practice. He (Haskins) is a player that shows when the pads come on," said Vrabel. "That's just what it is. He's not gonna wow you with his speed. He's not gonna wow you with his flashy moves, but he's a very good special teams player for us. He's a physical tackler for us, a kick-off returner for us, a physical runner, so I'm excited for where he's at and how he can help and contribute and do all those things and find a role for this football team."
"He's not gonna be a guy who's gonna stand out with shorts and helmets on," continued Vrabel. "Now you put pads on him, and when you have to tackle him, or when you have to start hitting guys, which is good for football, he does a good job of that."
Titans Related Stories
- HOPKINS' VISIT WITH THE TITANS IS NOW COMPLETE, IT'S TIME TO WAIT: DeAndre Hopkins visit to Nashville and the Tennessee Titans has concluded, and now we wait for him to finish his visits and make his final decision. CLICK HERE
- TITANS RYAN STONEHOUSE WORKING TO BECOME A BETTER DIRECTIONAL PUNTER: Ryan Stonehouse set a new NFL record for average distance in a season and lead the league in total punt distance as a rookie in 2022, but there is room for improvement. CLICK HERE
- TO EXTEND, OR NOT TO EXTEND, THE CURRENT TITANS DILEMMA: Should the Titans extend quarterback Ryan Tannehill with some creative cap management to find more money to add more free agents in 2023? CLICK HERE
More must-reads: