2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Aaron Hackett, TE, Syracuse University

• Name: Aaron Hackett
• Position: TE/Fullback
• College: Syracuse
• Height: 6’3
• Weight: 245
• Twitter: ahack3tt27

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2022 NFL Draft? 

I am a versatile player who can Block, catch and play special teams. I can play Inline, in the backfield and flexed out. I have shown to be a receiving threat in the red zone and have made plays whenever the ball came my way. I am a dominant blocker who can spark an offense-rushing attack. I pride myself on being a physical player who can make plays with the ball in my hand.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I have been playing football since the age of 7. I’ve wanted to play football for as long as I can remember.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I will bring an increased physical presence to any team I’m on. I am a great teammate and will fill multiple roles that are needed on your team. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

I would donate to underprivileged youth sports teams. I think sports develop character and every child should have an opportunity to participate no matter the cost.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

At some point, you’re going to have decided for yourself who you’re going to be. Nobody can make that decision for you.

Who was your childhood hero? 

Peyton Manning

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school? 

Dante Cephas. Wide receiver.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

Laziness and tardiness 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

Everything I’ve overcome has made me the person I am today. As a football player, accepting a role as a blocker instead of a receiver this year was something I had to overcome. Although it was not the role I imagined for myself, I’m embraced it fully and did anything my coaches asked to help us win. Even though I didn’t have the statistical season I was hoping for, I helped lead one of the best rushing offenses in the country this year. I wouldn’t change anything this year because the lessons I learned will make me a better football player and a better man in the future. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

Something special at Syracuse was the legend of 44. The tradition of the players who wore it and how much it means to the university. The men who wore that number broke through numerous barriers and their legacy will forever be engrained in the history of the game. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Chipotle

What is the best part of football? 

Being able to move someone against their will and put them on their back. 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence, what would you say? 

I will make my presence felt on any team by being a great teammate, leader and football player.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be? 

Anthony Firkser

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

Mark Cuban, Elon Musk, and Tom Brady. These three are collectively some of the brightest minds in their field and I would love to learn from them.