Hackenberg to get NFL draft evaluation
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg confirmed Friday that he has filed paperwork with the NFL Draft Advisory Board to gauge where he might fall in the draft should he decide to skip his senior year with the Nittany Lions.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg confirmed Friday that he has filed paperwork with the NFL Draft Advisory Board to gauge where he might fall in the draft should he decide to skip his senior year with the Nittany Lions.
But when it came to giving any indication about which way he might be leaning, Hackenberg was typically tight-lipped in an interview during Penn State's TaxSlayer Bowl media day at Beaver Stadium.
On his anticipated evaluation by the advisory board, he said, "I don't know if we've gotten that back yet but that's normal protocol for juniors in that situation. I'm really focusing on the bowl game right now and what we have to do to go down and put on a great performance against Georgia."
The Nittany Lions (7-5) and the Bulldogs (9-3) will meet on Jan. 2 in Jacksonville, Fla.
Asked if he had made any decision on his future yet, Hackenberg replied, "No, I'm focused on Georgia."
He said sitting down with his parents will "obviously be a tool in that decision when the time comes. Right now it's just about going down and executing against Georgia."
Hackenberg said he had a chance to watch film with Joe Moorhead, Penn State's new offensive coordinator, and was impressed with how passionate he is talking about offense.
Penn State coach James Franklin said he spoke with both Hackenberg and defensive tackle Austin Johnson, a redshirt junior who may also decide to enter the NFL draft. He said paperwork had been filed on behalf of both players to the advisory board, which will grade players as a first- or second-round draft pick, or as one who should stay in school.