New York Jets: Top 5 facts about Christian Hackenberg

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) drops back to pass the ball during the 2nd half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets drafted another quarterback with hopes of developing him to be their next franchise quarterback. Here are the top five facts to know about quarterback Christian Hackenberg.

It has been a long winter, and the time we have all been waiting for is finally here. The 2016 NFL Draft is over, voluntary practice has started and we are on our way to the regular season.

However, after this year’s draft, some Jets fans were left a little unsure and doubtful about Hackenberg, the Jets second round pick. But, rest assured, he’s really not that bad, especially for a rookie.

As of now, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has still not returned to the Jets. Head coach Todd Bowles stated Geno Smith is currently his starting quarterback, and then there’s Bryce Petty who has never been given an opportunity to step on the football field as a starter. With all this quarterback chaos, why wouldn’t they feel the need to draft a quarterback and condition him for the future?

It was a bit shocking at first as well when his name was called but it’s for the benefit of the future. However, after viewing game highlights and reading up on him, he actually offers a ton of promising benefits and attributes. It was very impressing and realized there is so much that fans of the Jets don’t know about him.

Without further ado, here are the top five things, you should know about Hackenberg.

Next: 5. Top recruit out of high school

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) attempts to throw the ball during the 2nd half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

5. Top recruit out of high school

Hackenberg is a good ole southern boy coming out of Virginia. Attending Union Military Academy, Hackenberg quickly made a name for himself.

During his senior year, he completed 2,144 yards and 24 touchdowns. Hackenberg only had nine interceptions; it doesn’t compare to the NFL, but that’s less than some NFL quarterbacks.

Hackenberg entered college as a five-star recruit, and was rated the No. 1 quarterback in the nation. After turning down numerous college offers and scholarships, Hackenberg joined Penn State in 2013.

Next: 4. Penn State honors and awards

Sep 27, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) warms up prior to the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

4. Penn State honors and awards

Hackenberg has an abundance of honors and awards, that college football players could only dream of. Take a look:

Big Ten 2013: As a freshmen, Hackenberg ranked second in pass completions and pass attempts. He also totaled 2,887 yards ranking him No. 4 in the conference. Hackenberg also took the fourth spot for total plays at 441.

Big Ten 2014: Hackenberg’s sophomore year proved he could become an elite quarterback. He ranked No. 1 in pass completions and attempts. He also ranked first in total plays with 577. This doesn’t include his top five ranking in total yards.

Big Ten 2015: Although Hackenberg was going through a change of coaching staff after 2013 and his stats decreased a bit, he still managed to excel in the 2015 Big Ten. He ranked top five in adjusted passing yards per attempt. He also ranked top 10 in passing touchdowns, total yards, total plays, passing efficiency, passing yards, pass completions and pass attempts.

Next: 3. Obscene amount of sacks

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) is sacked by Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) during the 1st half game of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

3. Obscene amount of sacks

It is no secret that Hackenberg has been sacked a mind blowing 103 sacks in 38 career games. He was actually given the nickname Sackenberg. But, wasn’t all of his fault.

Unfortunately, Hackenberg’s decline started right after his coach Bill O’Brien left Penn State to coach the Houston Texans. Instead of following the coach’s lead and giving up an opportunity to transfer colleges, Hackenberg chose to stay at Penn State.

Now, trying to learn a spread offense, Hackenberg was left with an unfamiliar scheme. It should also be noted that he didn’t have a strong offensive line to work with. He also didn’t have Nick Mangold to block him like he might have in the future. With that being said, those sacks are not all of his wrongful doings.

Next: 2. Knows how to run pro-style offense

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) points to Michigan State Spartans defense during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

2. Knows how to run pro-style offense

Ironically enough, Hackenberg’s coach was James Franklin who is very familiar with what it takes to succeed with NFL offenses and reading defenses. Hackenberg was fortunate enough to learn NFL plays, tactics and coordination thanks to him. Although Hackenberg blames him for his struggles after his freshman year, Franklin still gets credit for at least showing him what he needs to succeed in the NFL.

What does this mean for the Jets? Hackenberg learned an eerily similar style of offense used by the New England Patriots, the same Tom Brady-like routes, plays and game plans from under center. He literally learned from Brady without learning from Brady.

Hackenberg totally bypassed college schemes and has been preparing for the NFL all throughout his career. Having a quarterback with these skills and opportunities is extremely beneficial for the Jets.

Next: 1. Key fundamentals are incredible

1. Key fundamentals are incredible

Hackenberg has the ability to be a starting quarterback in 2017. Actually, if he improves his fundamentals, and a quarterback is needed, we might just see Hackenberg on the field this season.

He needs an opportunity to re-introduce his original mind blowing fundamentals. With new coaches come new approaches and techniques. His foot-work was re-directed and he was no longer operating on the same system he was comfortable with.

Overall, Hackenberg knows the game and understands the fundamentals. In past interviews, he was able to recall plays that took place over two years ago. He’s smart and dedicated which is just a few reasons why the Jets invested in him.

If Hackenberg can bring his original fundamentals to the field, he is going to be a great asset to the Jets for years to come.