New Mexico's Hank Baskett (6'2, 224 pounds) may not be a household name but he has an impressive resume. Playing for a team not known for passing the ball, Baskett caught 67 passes for 1,071 yards and nine touchdowns last season.
Baskett isn't only impressive on the football field; he was very impressive in his interview. The former Lobo had the misfortune of talking at the same time as a guy named Vince Young, so I was actually able to sit down with him for a one-on-one interview. He came off as an intelligent young man who was very confident in his abilities but not ****y.
"I guarantee I'm hungrier than anyone here," Baskett said. "I'm starving. I want to show the NFL people what I'm all about."
Baskett played quarterback up until his final four games in high school before switching to receiver. He wasn't heavily recruited by many Division I programs but New Mexico gave him a scholarship and he repaid them by becoming one of the most prolific pass catchers in school history.
His size and leaping ability makes Baskett a big threat in the red zone. He was the 2004 Mountain West Conference outdoor high jump champion, so he has the ability to go up and get the ball over smaller defenders.
Still, even with all his receptions, Baskett says his toughness is what sets him apart from other receivers in this draft.
"I'm the best blocking receiver in this draft by far," Baskett said. "I love to block. I like to get physical with defensive backs and put them on the ground."
Baskett likened his game to the Bears Mushin Muhammad because they are both physical players but he doesn't really want to be compared to anyone. He would rather make a name for himself instead.
"I respect a lot of receivers in the NFL but I don't want to pattern my game after anyone," he said. "I want to be the best and you can't be the best trying to be somebody else."
Baskett talked to the Patriots at The Senior Bowl and was looking forward to speaking with them again this week at the Combine.
"I'm excited about the possibility of playing in New England," Baskett said. "They have a great team and a great tradition. I really respect Coach Belichick and I would love to play for him."
