Aaron Hackett
Tight End / Syracuse

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

Aaron Hackett:  6’3, 245 and 4.7 – 4.8 range.  

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

Aaron Hackett:  I was back home in Venice, Florida.  We have a weight set at my house.  I was working out with some of the guys from high school.  I was getting some field work done.  Then I went to a gym once it opened up.  The place is called Athletic Edge.  They train NFL, college guys and MLB guys.  

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

Aaron Hackett:  My family moved from Indianapolis to Florida.  I grew up in a basketball family.  I played basketball the first two years of high school.  My brother and sister also played basketball.  Then I started to focus on football. 

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

Aaron Hackett:  I was a RB my freshman year.  I moved to TE the last three years.  I learned the position.  We have a rich tradition at TE at our school.  Beckett Wales and Trey Burton.  Coach Wells came back from Syracuse and was my TE’s coach at Venice High school.   

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

Aaron Hackett:  My high school coach, Beckett Wales, played TE at Syracuse.  He had a good career.  Syracuse was my dream school to go to. 

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at Syracuse? 

Aaron Hackett:  I didn’t want to stay in Florida.  Coach Babers sold me on a dream.   

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your overall career?      

Aaron Hackett:  During my freshman year, I played special teams and was used in short-yardage situations.  I became a dominant blocker.  Sophomore year, I scored my first TD.  Last year, I contributed more in the red zone.  I was more of a receiving threat and a blocker.  Team wise, we had some ups and downs.  We went 10-3 in 2018, and 5-7 this last year. 

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

Aaron Hackett:  Making a statement.  We are hungry right now.  We want to win the ACC.  We have a good bond with each other.  A lot of guys are trying to further their careers. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Aaron Hackett:  I am a versatile guy.  I can lineup as an H-back or a slot receiver or inline.  I am a confident blocker.  I am a red zone threat.  I am a playmaker who has consistent hands.   

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

Aaron Hackett:  I want to be a better downfield blocker and finish runs better.  I want two or three guys to bring me down in the open field. 

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

Aaron Hackett:  I have one year left.  The best memory was in 2018.  We won the Camping World Bowl against West Virginia.  I went back home to Orlando.  I was making some plays during the game.     

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

Aaron Hackett:  Overall, being consistently good instead of occasionally good.  It is important to have a guy that you can rely on constantly.   

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Aaron Hackett:  George Kittle.  He is a dominant blocker and a threat at receiver.  I have watched a lot of film on him.  Tony Gonzalez is my all-time favorite guy.     

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

Aaron Hackett:  DB Andre Cisco, CB Trill Williams, and CB Ifeatu Melifonwu.  QB Tommy DeVito has a very strong arm.  RB Abdul Adams and RB Markenzy Pierre should have a breakout year.   

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

Aaron Hackett:  Brian Burns and my own teammate Alton Robinson.  Lamar Jackson was a great player.   

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

Aaron Hackett:  In today’s game, a TE needs to be versatile.  You have to be a pass catcher and a blocker.   

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Aaron Hackett:  I have been playing football since six years old.  The bonds you build with your brothers and teammates.  Friendships you will never break. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Aaron Hackett:  I am a Florida boy at heart.  I go on a boat, do water sports and go to the beach.  Hiking and climbing around Syracuse.   

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

Aaron Hackett:  I want to give back to the community.  Coach or train kids.   

Alex Khvatov:  What makes you unique?

Aaron Hackett:  I am one of the most goal-oriented and focused people you will ever meet.  I am all about football.  When I set my mind to something, it becomes an obsession.  I will outwork anyone.  I am consistent.  You don’t have to worry about me.  I am a great teammate.  I am always doing it the right way.   

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Aaron Hackett:  Hardworking, intelligent, driven, understanding, and passionate.