Luke Hasz, a 2023 TE out of Bixby, Oklahoma, is the highest ranked recruit in Arkansas’ 2023 class. Hasz is part of an elite 2023 TE class at Arkansas, which also includes Shamar Easter and Jaden Hamm. The excitement for Hasz is clearly palpable amongst the Hog fanbase. This article will breakdown how Hasz could be utilized within Kendal Briles offense.
Luke Hasz Physical Profile:
First let’s breakdown Hasz’s physical tools. Hasz stands at 6-4, 225 pounds, which is solid size for a tight end. According to Gabe Brooks of 247, Hasz possesses straight-line explosion and top end speed in the passing game. However, his lateral quickness is limited. Brooks also comments that Hasz is too physically imposing for DBs, and too athletic for linebackers to cover. Moreover, Hasz must improve his strength if he wants to be a better blocking TE in the SEC.
How Hasz fits schematically:
In Kendal Briles Veer and Shoot offense, tight ends often play in the halfback position. If Hasz is asked to do this, he will certainly be the recipient of a lot of TE RPOs. This is because Hasz’s athleticism will allow him to gain great yardage after the catch.
However, Hasz could also be asked to play a lot of X receiver, and be tagged as a target receiver on Briles’ ‘deep choice’ series. Hasz’s film shows he’s adept at running fade, post, and vertical routes. This makes him a good candidate for X receiver, where his lack of quickness isn’t a problem.
Additionally, Hasz’s ability to cause mismatches at X could open up the veer and shoot. Teams may have to put a safety over the top to guard Hasz, which means less defenders in the box. Then Arkansas can run the ball against less loaded boxes, which is a positive for their run game.
The Veer and Shoot tries to take vertical shots downfield in order to open up the run. Hasz’s versatility as a TE and WR will allow the Razorbacks to efficiently run their offense.