Signing Day Capsule: Gators tight end commit Hayden Hansen
Checking in
Name: Hayden Hansen
Class: 2022
Position: Tight end
Height/Weight: 6-foot-6, 250 pounds
Location/School: Weatherford, Texas/Weatherford High School
Signed to: Florida Gators
Additional Scholarship Offers: Louisiana, UTSA, New Mexico, Texas State, Washington State and Colorado, among others.
On3 Consensus Ranking: 1728th-ranked player | 106th-ranked tight end| 251st-ranked prospect in Texas
Diving into the tight end’s tape
Hansen immediately sticks out like a sore thumb at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds. Hansen uses his large frame to box out defenders in 50-50 ball scenarios, coming down with the catch almost every time.
The Weatherford Kangaroos often used Hansen in the screen game, allowing Hansen to get in the open field and use his body to shield off possible would-be tacklers. The tight end does well in short-yardage situations. Hansen has soft hands and meets the ball at the point of attack.
Hansen is a strong blocker, often using his upper body strength to fend off defensive linemen and linebackers. The three-star prospect does an excellent job at sealing off the edge on outside run plays, a trait Napier and William Peagler admire.
Why Hansen became a Gator
After an in-home visit and an official, Hansen knew he wanted to play for head coach Billy Napier.
“The staff is from UL originally, and that’s where I was committed to,” Hansen said. “They never gave up on me, they believed in me, and it’s the place I want to be.”
Napier made it a special opportunity for Hansen to be a Gator, as he offered him on the 50-yard line during his official visit to Florida.
“(Napier) offered me on the 50-yard line of the stadium; it was pretty cool,” Hansen said after his official to UF.
“It’s awesome getting an offer from the same dude twice. I kind of feel like it’s meant to be.”
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
