Erik Hansen

Defensive End / Upper Iowa

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Erik Hansen:  6’3 and 260.  I have actually gained more weight in the offseason.  About 10 or 15 pounds.  Last time, I ran a 4.75 laser forty time at 260 pounds a couple of months ago.  I think that I have gotten faster since then.    

Alex Khvatov:  How are you currently preparing for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Erik Hansen:  Actually, I have a good weight room in the basement.  I also found 100-pound chains that I use for bench and squat.  I am also running at a local high school.  Breaking down the film in my free time. 

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Erik Hansen:  I wrestled and played football at Illinois.  Wrestling helped me a lot.  It helped me with hand fighting.  I went to state competition as a wrestler my senior year.  It was a pretty tough competition in our state.         

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Erik Hansen:  I played all over the place.  I was a LB, DE, H-back and RB.  I even played one game as a TE.       

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Erik Hansen:  I was a little undersized coming out of high school.  I was a late bloomer.  I was 205 pounds.  I talked to Murray State and most of the D-II schools in my conference. 

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at Upper Iowa? 

Erik Hansen:  I loved the Upper Iowa’s coaches.  It was a family atmosphere.  I knew that I could compete and play right away.  I gained 50 pounds after my freshman year.      

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about your overall career.        

Erik Hansen:  We went 6-5 during my freshman year.  During my sophomore year, we beat Winona State.  They were a ranked team.  Junior year, we beat Minnesota Duluth at their stadium.  We came together and beat a good opponent.  I broke a school sack record in a game.  I had 12.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss during junior season.  I was a third team All-American and first team all-conference. 

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from Upper Iowa this upcoming season? 

Erik Hansen:  We got a new head coach.  He was our DB coach before.  He is a nice guy.  He recruited me.  I like him.  He has great energy.  We have become very close.  I talk to my teammates every day.  We all have a close bond.      

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Erik Hansen:  Getting constant pressure on the quarterback.  I proved it this season.  I get sacks when they matter in big time situations.  I am a physical player.  I don’t typically take plays off.  I have a high motor.    

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Erik Hansen:  I want to be a little better against the run.  I gained the weight in the offseason.  I want to get a better push against a TE or an OT.      

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Erik Hansen:  Beating Minnesota Duluth.  It was a cool experience.  We all played well.  I had three sacks and four TFL’s at their home stadium.  No one saw us beating them.  We were huge underdogs and we proved everyone wrong.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

Erik Hansen:  Coach Wyatt always preaches us to be hard workers and not to make excuses.  Show up and work.  Don’t cry about things.  Just give your all. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team? 

Erik Hansen:  I am from Illinois.  I like the Bears.  They are a good team that struggled this past season. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Erik Hansen:  I watch Khalil Mack.  He is a great pass rusher.  I love how he attacks the offensive linemen.  He has nasty long arms. 

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

Erik Hansen:  DL Laith Smith will be a junior.  On the offensive side, LT Alex Schneider is an all-conference honorable mention.  Receiver Alexander Stevens is an all-conference honorable mention.    

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Erik Hansen:  OL Trey Pipkins from Sioux Falls.  He went in the third round to the Chargers.  We play good opponents in this conference. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a DL?

Erik Hansen:  The top two things are getting get off the ball and being physical.  To be a good pass rusher, you don’t have much time.  You have to be quick off the ball.  You have to be physical especially in the run game and not get driven back.    

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Erik Hansen:  The team atmosphere.  Making a big play and celebrating with my team.  These guys are my friends for life.    

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Erik Hansen:  I like to go fishing, explore the outdoors and travel.    

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Erik Hansen:  It is important to have multiple incomes.  I want to open up a gym.  My major is in public administration.  I might want to work for a local government and maybe coach.    

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Erik Hansen:  Hard working, determined, tenacious, aggressive, and a team player.