Derrick Henry Labels Titans Rookie Hassan Haskins A 'Beast'

Rookie running back Hassan Haskins has been a Titan for only slightly more than two months and he's already receiving praise from Tennessee's pseudo mayor, Derrick Henry.

“Hassan is a beast. I was able to catch his game versus Ohio State when he went off," Henry said of Haskins, via Titans Online. "Seeing him in person, he is a big dude, and he’s a solid dude."

It takes one to know one, which may be a big reason why King Henry (6'3, 245 lbs) commented on  Haskins' stature (6'2, 220 lbs). As far as NFL running backs go, both are much bigger than the norm and seem likely to give defenses fits - and bruises.

"I was excited when we got him," added Henry.

Tennessee's unquestioned lead back, Henry, had an up close view of his understudy during last month's mandatory minicamp. "Seeing him (at practice), I can tell everything is coming natural to him. I just told him: 'Don't try to get too overwhelmed, just take it day by day," Henry told Titans Online.

The respect is not one-sided. Haskins, a fourth-round pick, has been equally or more impressed with the veteran workhorse, Henry. "I definitely watch him, all his moves. Just seeing how he is, how he handles himself. He's a super-cool dude," Haskins said of Henry. "I just want to keep picking his brain and keep getting better."

Tennessee fans, though likely pleased with the thought of Haskins giving Henry the occasional breather, surely hope that for now, Haskins is nothing more than an understudy for a healthy and active Henry. The Alabama product was leading the league in carries, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, when he suffered a foot injury in week eight last season. He missed the back half of the season before returning for the playoffs.

A healthy Henry will get the bulk of the carries and keep Haskins on the sidelines. And that shouldn't be an issue. "I have to keep working each day," Haskins told Titans Online. "It may not be tomorrow, it may not be a couple of years, but I am going to keep working and get better to have a role on this team."

Titans players report to training camp on July 26th.

 

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