Storyline: Will the “real” Christian Hackenberg stand up? Is he the promising QB of 2013 or the one that struggled in James Franklin’s offense? NFL scouts and GMs have questions.
Former Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg is one of the NFL Draft’s most intriguing prospects. Yet he’s arguably the draft’s biggest mystery.
Courtesy: post-gazette.com
Hackenberg, a #1 recruit out of Virginia, decided to play at Penn State under Head Coach Bill O’Brien, despite NCAA sanctions at the school. Hackenberg played great during his freshman year, throwing for 2955 yards and 20 touchdowns.
It seemed like Hackenberg was going “to be that guy” for Penn State football. Some pro scouts had him projected to be a #1 pick in the NFL Draft.
Then things turned south. O’Brien left Penn State for the NFL. Penn State hired former Vanderbilt coach, James Franklin. Hackenberg was forced to learn a new offense.
Hackenberg struggled. In ’14 Hackenberg threw 12 TD and had a career-high 15 interceptions. Some said that bad OL play could have been the issue but, at the same time, offensive lineman don’t throw interceptions.
The same issues continued into 2015. What happened? That’s the question NFL GM’s and scouts are asking as Hackenberg prepares for the NFL Draft. His Draft stock is all over the place: some scouts have him as high as a late 1st round pick and others him going as low as the 5th round.
Courtesy: collegefootball.ap.org
There are rumors that Hackenberg has been blaming James Franklin for his drop off in play. Even if true, a statement like that raises character issues, especially for a QB prospect.
Well, the mystery of Christian Hackenberg will continue … at least until April 28th, 29th, and possibly even April 30th.
It’s a story well worth following.
