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Is Rodney Hannah the Next Antonio Gates?
Posted By:  jwest   
Posted On:   Jan 30, 2007 - 9:42:23 PM

Consensus Draft Services recently had the opportunity to spend a few minutes talking to Houston Cougars TE Rodney Hannah. If the name doesn't ring a bell, you're not alone. Hannah only played one year of college football--this past fall--as he was spending his time on the hardwood floors for the Cougars before that.

Hannah has outstanding size, speed, and quickness for the TE position and has as much potential at the position as anyone in the draft. With NFL teams looking to replicate the success of Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates (both former basketball players who made the transition to TE), they'll be smart to spend some time checking out Rodney Hannah, a class act and an outstanding athlete.

Here is the interview (from the premium content area) in its entirety:

Interviewed on: Saturday, January 27th, 2007
Height: 6' 7.5"
Weight: 255 lbs
Speed: 4.55 (Unofficial)
Bench Reps: 22 (Player Reported)
Jim ODell: Hey Rodney, thanks for the interview.
Rodney Hannah: Thank you, it is my pleasure.
JO: First off, tell me your height, weight, and 40 time please.
RH: Well, I am 6 ft 7 and half, 255 pounds and I run about a 4.55 40.
JO: Wow! That's incredible! You know the NFL scouts will notice that!
RH: Yeah, thanks.
JO: So, how old were you when you started playing football?
RH: I think I was in the 5th grade. I starting off playing defensive end and quarterback.
JO: How about in high school?
RH: I played safety, wide receiver, and I was the back up quarterback. My senior year I was a wide receiver.
JO: So, why did you choose Houston?
RH: I went there for basketball originally. Then, my senior year I went out for football.
JO: So what have you been doing to prepare yourself for the next level?
RH: I have been working out, working with a trainer at Brian Westbrook's Exceleration.
JO: Nice! So what are your bench, squat ,and power lift maxes?
RH: I don't know, I have been working hard on that.
JO: How about your vertical leap?
RH: 40 inches.
JO: Wow! A 6 ft 8 tight end who leaps 40 inches and runs a 4.55? That's incredible! I know some scouts who would be interested in those numbers!
RH: Thanks, I hope so!
JO: So what are your strengths?
RH: I feel my speed and leaping ability are my strengths. I think I have an advantage over any linebacker trying to cover me, whether it be over the middle or downfield.
JO: I would agree! How about your weaknesses?
RH: My blocking. Coming from a basketball background and having not played tight end that much, I can improve on my blocking technique.
JO: Who is your favorite NFL player?
RH: I like the intensity of Jeremy Shockey. And Antonio Gates, his confidence and abilities.
JO: Well, I want to thank you for the interview Rodney, I think you'll do well for yourself!
RH: Thank you.

 

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