Holy Cross offensive guard C.J. Hanson is among the most athletic offensive line prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Hanson announced his arrival at the NFL Combine by running a five-second 40 along with a 33.5-inch vertical and 9-foot-7 broad jump. Hanson undeniably improved his pre-draft stock by displaying special athleticism.
Hanson recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his performance at the NFL Combine, playing in pass protection and as a run blocker, which teams are showing interest in his services, and more.
JM: You absolutely crushed the NFL Combine. You ran a five-second 40 and had an outstanding 9-foot-7 broad. You were by far one of the most athletic offensive linemen in attendance. How would you grade your overall performance?
C.J. Hanson: I thought I dominated. I think I did very well. The vertical and broad jump results were ones I was especially proud of. I thought I especially aced the position drills. Everyone analyzes the numbers, but I looked smooth out there during position drills as well.
I wish I ran the 40 a little bit faster. I’ll take a flat five-second result though. That’s a good number any day of the week. I was running a 4.86 in training. So that was the goal. I wish I ran a better 40, but I’ll take it. I was super happy and blessed to be invited. It was a great experience.
JM: Have you noticed an uptick in attention you’re receiving since then? Those were big results for a prospect from a perceived small school in Holy Cross.
C.J. Hanson: I would say 100% yes. I met a lot of great people. They were loving me on the TV broadcast (laughs). I definitely gained some followers on Twitter. It was nothing crazy though. I’ve been getting attention from all 32 teams. It’s exciting stuff. I’ll get to see all of them at my Pro Day again on March 21.
The entire pre-draft process has been going well so far. There’s been an incremental rise of attention for me the entire way. I had barely even spoken to an agent at the beginning of the season. It wasn't until the first or second week of the season that I started speaking with agents. It just blew up from there. It’s been a steady increase of interest and people noticing me. Things are happening quickly. It’s been kinda wild.
JM: Wow, that’s awesome. Guard is the position you’re most familiar with. Is that where you see yourself playing at the next level?
C.J. Hanson: I love playing guard. I also realize that you have to play multiple positions at the next level. I think I fit really well at that center spot as well. I think I have the flexibility for it. I move well at center. I’ve gotten that position down pact.
I was a leader at Holy Cross. I think that’s what a center does. That position is the leader of the offensive line. I’m an excellent communicator. I would love to take on that challenge at the next level. The three interior positions are going to be my spots. I love playing center. I played it at the East-West Shrine Bowl. I’m familiar enough. Wherever a team needs me to play, I’m going to be able to play it.
JM: Do you see yourself playing in a gap/power scheme or in more of a zone-based offense? Your athletic ability leans favorably to that zone system.
C.J. Hanson: I’m up for whatever. We were more of a gap team at Holy Cross. I was pulling on power, trap, and counter plays. I probably did that during 75% of our games. We also ran some zone-based stuff.
I got the best of both worlds at Holy Cross. I think I’m ready for whatever because I fit into any scheme. Obviously, pulling in that gap scheme, I would lean towards that. I’m good for whatever. I can reach my spot in any scheme. It’s exciting.
JM: Is athleticism at the forefront of your skill set? The results may indicate that. What about physicality?
C.J. Hanson: That’s the thing about me. I’m extremely physical when I get to my endpoint (laughs). The athleticism brings me to my endpoint, and my physicality finishes. Everything gets taken over by my strength and positioning on the block.
I squat almost 700 pounds. I should bench about 25 reps of 225 pounds at my Pro Day. I think my strength comes from my legs and how fast I am when I get low on a linebacker or a defensive tackle. It’s my athleticism that gets me there. I rely on my strength once I reach my spot. I can dominate the competition.
JM: You’ve proven so much throughout this process. If there’s a question teams will have, it’s the level of competition at Holy Cross. How do you handle the small school question?
C.J. Hanson: It’s just football at the end of the day. I think that’s what the East-West Shrine Bowl did for me. I was able to show all of the scouts in attendance that it’s still just football. I played against some big school prospects out there.
I showed everyone that I’m a damn good football player. It was a great experience for me. I handled the competition with ease.
We also ran through some great opponents at Holy Cross. We played South Dakota State twice. They have a bunch of dogs. We won two FCS games in my career against Buffalo and UConn. The UConn game was huge because I was blocking an NFL player.
I have what it takes and I’ve shown it against the best.
JM: I love that answer. With the NFL Combine now a thing of the past, do you have any upcoming Top 30 visits?
C.J. Hanson: We’re scheduling my visits after the Pro Day. I’m meeting with the New York Giants right before Pro Day. I believe all 32 teams will be in attendance. We have a wide receiver at Holy Cross that’s an NFL player. Dylan Laube from New Hampshire will also be performing. It’s going to be a great showing.
Between the Shrine Bowl and the NFL Combine, I’ve met with all 32 offensive line coaches.
JM: We’ve appreciated your time. What kind of impact is C.J. Hanson going to make at the next level?
C.J. Hanson: I’m going to put my best foot forward. I have so much pride coming from Holy Cross. I’ve met so many amazing people over the years that decided to join me and root for me on this journey.
I do it for them. I give my all to everybody that helped me along the way. I’m going to make sure I make it because that's what the amazing people around me deserve to see. I deserve it as well.
I’ve put in the work. It’s time to keep working. I have an amazing opportunity in front of me. I don’t plan on letting anybody down. It’s going to be mine one day. I’m going to be a superstar. I guarantee it.
