Andrew Stueber ready to play wherever he's needed in the NFL
Michigan football’s Andrew Stueber was asked to wear multiple hats during his time with the program. Right tackle was where he found a home in 2021, but there was also time sprinkled in at guard in his career.
Stueber, who stands at 6-foot-7, 338 pounds, has a bit of an uncertain future in the NFL. He might be most comfortable at tackle, but several NFL teams are projecting him to move inside in the pros. Athletic testing this week at the combine in Indianapolis could play a factor.
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For Stueber, it is game on.
“I think a good amount of teams see me at guard,” Stueber said during his session with the media. “Some teams may have underrated my quickness and speed. But I’m willing to play anywhere. Anywhere a team wants me to go, I’ll play.
“If you ask me where I feel most comfortable, I’d say I feel most comfortable at tackle right now. That’s where I played the most. But I feel good playing guard as well.”
Combine objectives
Some guys that fall between positions can be seen as negatives during the process. It only helps an offensive lineman, especially in the game of reserves or injury replacements. Stueber could be more than a backup in the NFL, but being positionally fluid is important.
“Versatility is the name of the game at the next level, especially for offensive linemen,” he said.
The NFL Combine is often referred to as the “underwear Olympics” given the emphasis placed on workouts. What it serves as is a job fair and networking opportunity. Stueber hopes to have a future employer fall in love with him this week.
“Whether that’s film breakdown, my knowledge of football, just as a person who has character,” Stueber said. “Leave a good, lasting impression, I think is the main thing. Make yourself stand out and distinguish yourself. That’s kind of the plan for me here.
“And on the field, just kind of show off my ability, my speed, my quickness, my feet. Just use all the training I’ve got over the past seven to eight weeks.”
Stueber speaks on Hassan Haskins
Both Stueber and running back Hassan Haskins had their media sessions on Thursday and will go through on-field workouts with their position groups on Friday from Indy. The Michigan lineman was a driving force in opening up lanes for the run game this year and addressed the impact Haskins had on the team.
“We dubbed Hassan this past season the ox just because whenever we wanted to run the ball, we’d give it to him no questions asked,” he said. “He would always gain his yards and was impressive. He never asked for more carries, just did as he was told. Always gave us his best, his hardest.”
Haskins was a quiet leader for the Wolverines, but that did not make him any less important to the team’s success.
“What a team gets is someone whose actions speak way louder than his words,” Stueber said. “He shows up every single day and doesn’t miss a beat. He’s where he needs to be at all times, runs the ball hard, gains extra yards after contact.
“He doesn’t speak a lot, but his energy is there. He always gives off good energy, he’s always charismatic about it, and he’s always positive. Those are some characteristics you can’t find in every player, so I think he’s a great addition to any team.”
