Forumsby Nate Adelson, InsidehtheU.com
St. Thomas Aquinas linebacker Ken Hankerson is a piece of the Raiders defense which always seems to be very well coached.
Hankerson (6-1, 205) said that the key to his success is always sticking to whatever defensive assignments that the coaches give him.
“My style is to contribute to the team even though I was there to setup our inside linebackers to make most of the tackles,” Hankerson said. “Our coaches tell us that every one of the eleven guys has to do their part. I try to do that to perfection and whatever I have to do, I go get it done.”
Hankerson spent most of his time as a speed rushing defensive end last year but he will be one of those inside linebackers this coming season.
“Well we play a 3-4 defense so I was considered an outside linebacker but I’m moving into the middle now,” Hankerson said. “The hardest part will be just learning that as a new position. Going inside is a whole different thing than being on the outside with the responsibilities. I’ve got to keep my eye on the quarterback but also on the running back in case he bails out. Once I’ve learned what to do, I believe it will come naturally because I have that love for football.”
Hankerson finished his junior year with 19 tackles and 3 fumble recoveries. He returned one of those for a 39 yard touchdown against nationally ranked Byrnes.
Hankerson has attention from lots of high level programs so he hopes that his first scholarship offer is not too far away.
“I’m still waiting on my first offer but Tennessee said they would offer me soon,” Hankerson said. “I’ve been getting interest from Florida State, Arkansas, Connecticut, Alabama, and Wisconsin. Anywhere I go for college, I’m going to give it my all so the best offer, I’m taking that.”
Hankerson talked about his interest in Miami and his cousin is current Cane and former St. Thomas Aquinas star, Leonard Hankerson.
“I spoke to a Miami coach when he came out to my school,” Hankerson said. “They told me to give them I call and I did so I’m waiting to get a call back from them. They have a tremendous program and they’re really coming up right now. I have a cousin down there now who plays receiver for them (Leonard Hankerson). I talk to him when we see each other but we’re not real close like that.”
Hankerson attended a Miami home game and he believes the future of the program is very bright.
“I made it out to one of their games last year but I didn’t contact the school so I just went as a fan,” Hankerson said. “The defense was amazing but they always have a sick defense. The offense is coming along now so the future is going to be great. Miami is going to become the old Miami as everyone knows them.”
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