Imposing, that’s probably the best word to describe Ra’Shede Hageman. At 6’6’’ and 311 pounds, with tight end speed and leaping ability that would make the Gopher hoopsters jealous, few athletes can match the physical attributes possessed by the senior defensive tackle. If you ran into him on campus, you would think he was as kind as they come but when he hits the field he becomes a pretty scary individual. The full-cage and visor that grace his helmet, giving him a shocking resemblance to something you would see from a DC Comics villain, only adds to the intimidation factor.
“On the field, I’m very focused and determined to make plays,” said Hageman. “I’m just trying to channel my anger to make plays. Off the field I’m fine but on the field you don’t want to talk to me.”
Players and coaches alike have taken notice around the Big Ten, sending double teams Hageman’s way on most plays. Despite the extra attention, he was still able to bring down the opposing quarterback six times last season, good for second on the team behind D.L. Wilhite. Hageman’s name has been thrown around in NFL circles as well, with some seeing first round potential from the Minneapolis Washburn product. Ra’Shede knows that for that to happen, though, he needs to keep working constantly to reach his nearly unlimited potential.
“I’m definitely my own worst critic. Watching film or whatever, if I’m not making plays I take that real seriously and try to talk to the coaches and ask the coaches what I need to do to get better.”
The Gophers are also depending heavily on the senior to provide some leadership to a defense with fairly limited experience. Defensive Line Coach Jeff Phelps has already seen Hageman come through in this aspect.
“He’s taking care of business in the classroom,” said Phelps. “He’s doing the same thing here out on the field and in the community. He’s really showing himself to be a leader, not just of the defensive line but of the defense and of the team and that’s what we need. That’s what you need your seniors to do, you need them to step up. Once the one class graduates you need those next guys to step in and fill that void. He’s been dialed in, he’s a man on a mission. He wants to represent his home town and home school well.”
Although the towering defensive tackle has already made his home state proud, it seems clear that we have only witnessed the beginning of what he can do. With incredible physical gifts and a hunger to improve each day, the sky is truly the limit for Ra’Shede Hageman.