Tennnesee Titans draft Michigan football's Hassan Haskins in the fourth round
Michigan running back Hassan Haskins is a Tennessee Titan. The Big Ten champion and team offensive leader in rushing last year (1,327 yards, 20 touchdowns, 4.9 yards per carry) was the Wolverines’ 131st player taken behind first-rounders Aidan Hutchinson (No. 2 overall, Detroit Lions) and Dax Hill (No. 31, Cincinnati Bengals) and David Ojabo (second round, Baltimore Ravens).
“The Titans got an absolutely dynamite running back,” NFL Network’s Rich Eisen, a Michigan alum, said on the broadcast. “This guy has all of it. He has heart, he has punch, he has power, he has moves. And he can just get stronger as the game goes along — just ask anybody who likes scarlet and gray about this kid and what he does for the University of Michigan. What he did was outstanding, and I cannot believe he’s gonna come down hill at you, after [Titans starting running back] Derrick Henry has terrorized you for about 20, 25 carries.”
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Haskins told Texans Wire recently his NFL dreams started even before he got to U-M.
“Coach Jim Harbaugh came down to my school and watched me practice, and that’s when I first realized they were interested,” he said. “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.”
And now it’s a reality.
Haskins was an outstanding teammate in addition to being the best Michigan back since Mike Hart (2004-’07). He played both linebacker and running back at U-M, but he eventually worked his way up to No. 1 back.
Haskins career moment came when he ran for 169 yards and five touchdowns in a 42-27 beating of Ohio State last November.
“I feel like I have a lot of attributes, but the No. 1 main thing is the power,” he said. “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.”
Including special teams. Haskins was one of the Michigan team’s top performers in that area, too. He’ll likely take on those responsibilities at the next level, as well.
More than anything, though, he’s respected by his fellow players and a great locker room guy.
“A lot of people gravitate to me,” he said. “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.”
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