Interview: Recruiting Battles Set to Begin over 2024 Washington TE/LB Hogan Hansen
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The recruiting battle will be fierce for Class of 2024 talent Hogan Hansen, and for more than one reason. Hansen had a breakout 2020 season with Bellevue High School as a two-way starter. Where it will get interesting along the recruiting trail, where to play him? The 6-5, 215-pound, prospect can get down and dirty in the trenches as a tight end and can run routes with hands like a receiver on the outside. But he can also cover and play the run at linebacker putting an end to 30 plays with one pick during the Wolverines’ four-game 2020 season.
An offer has already been dropped by Arizona with other Pac-12 interest coming his way. For an update on his summer workouts and recruiting process, Hansen stopped by the RNG Clubhouse.
Interview
Hogan, as a freshman getting that four-game of Washington varsity action going both ways, what was that experience like for you?
I think it helped me become a better football player. Going against that competition gave me a lot of confidence. Now I know that I can compete against all grades including people three years older than me.
Given all that you were doing, adapting to the speed and strength of the game, how long did it take you to catch up to the game this spring?
I had some time to prepare, and I have older brothers who told me what to expect. With our preseason workouts, it took me about two or three practices to get the speed of everything. After that I was pretty good.
Impressive. On defense, what scheme were you guys running and what were your roles within the defense?
We had a bunch of injuries. We started in a 4-3 but shifted to a 3-4. At first, I was going to play safety but then I went to outside linebacker. For two weeks I was at Will, then for one week at Trio, strongside end/outside linebacker, and during our last week I was at Will again.
The way you read plays and the boom you bring on contact standout, what do you feel are some of the other strengths to your game on that side of the ball?
I think my ability to make plays in the open field. My pass coverage ability, not just stopping the run but also dropping back and playing some man on faster receivers in the slot.
The offense for the Wolverines is unique in today’s game with the quarterback going under center. Lining up at tight end, you were getting releases off the line with your hand down in the dirt and doing some tight end reverses. What were some of the other ways the Wolverines’ OC got you involved in the game?
This year, with our four-game season, it was harder to get involved being a freshman. We added some boots to pass plays. They gave me a chance to make plays. We are adapting to the athletes we have on offense. I think I will be in the slot more this season. We are running different formations; I will get it in different ways.
In the run game, how did you see your blocking improve during the season?
I grew up blocking in the youth system. In eighth grade I played running back. Blocking our seniors and going against our lineman who is going to Central Washington, I was going one-on-one with him in practice, helped me a lot. My speed off the line and my pad level helped me a lot.
You touched on this a minute ago, where all will we see you on the field in 2021?
I will be at tight end on the line a lot, but we have new formations. We have skilled quarterbacks. We are putting in a gun formation and spreading it out. I will be in the slot and some on the outside. On defense, I expect to stay at outside linebacker as a starter. I was thinking about safety, but I am staying at outside linebacker.
What are you working on with your offensive game this offseason?
Usually for my offensive game, I like to train with receivers. I am getting my footwork down and working on getting off the press. I am running track trying to get my speed up.
Which events in track are you running?
The 100, 200, and maybe the 400.
Very cool. Back to football, which areas of your game are you fine-tuning on defense?
Being able to read the plays quicker. I was able to read the plays, but if I am able to ID pulling guards faster it will help me that much more.
This summer, which college camps might you attend?
Right now, I am looking at UDUB (Washington). I have been talking to their coach, and I am excited about that. I am open for the rest of the camps. With summer football and AAU basketball, I am seeing what other opportunities might pop up.
Being an underclassman can be difficult to fully know, but to the best of your knowledge which programs are showing interest but have not offered yet?
The only one I know for sure is UDUB; their tight ends coach has been in contact. I am looking forward to seeing him in person at camp. I am hearing from my coaches some other college coaches are wanting to get in touch, but I am not sure which ones yet.
You’ve already picked up an offer, which program offered you?
Arizona.
That’s awesome. Congratulations.
Thank you.
When did you get the offer?
I got that before the season from playing 7v7. They took interest in how versatile I am and how I moved like a receiver. I played really well in a 7v7 tournament, a couple of days later they called and offered me.
This summer, are there any visits you may take?
I might take some with my linebacker coach to Oregon State, Arizona State, and I am definitely visiting Arizona. After the camp, I might visit UDUB.
Hogan, I had fun covering ground with you today. Wishing you the best of luck with the camps and visits this summer.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Hansen family; Hogan Hansen