Hubbard hoping for best situation
It will be just another day in the Hubbard household when former Alabama linebacker Adrian Hubbard hears his name in the 2014 NFL Draft.
“In my household, every day is a celebration. Every day we do the same thing,” Hubbard said.
For a player that’s criticized for having a quirky personality, a sense of entitlement and not reaching his full potential, Hubbard has his unique way of living life on and off the field.
“It’s pretty hard to have a sense of entitlement when you’re playing for (Nick) Saban,” Hubbard said. “No one’s ever reaching their potential. To reach their potential means they stop working.”
The working won’t stop for Hubbard, who has met with teams like the Buccaneers, Saints, Jets and Patriots looking to bolster the pass rush.
Hubbard’s numbers were underwhelming at Alabama with just 10 career sacks but he was asked to do many different things in Alabama’s defense throughout his career including starting at SAM linebacker, playing the JACK linebacker in certain situations, moving to inside linebacker and playing defensive tackle in some pass rush situations.
“It’s always great when you’re a versatile guy and you can play multiple positions,” Hubbard said. He also gave praise to his former position coach, Sal Sunseri, who Hubbard said he keeps in touch with daily.
It’s also Hubbard’s smarts that set him apart. Hubbard was the only redshirt junior to participate in this year’s Reese’s Senior Bowl after finishing his degree and he likes to be the smartest person in the room.
“If I go in the room, it’s kind of like playing a game,” he said. Hubbard prepares for every meeting like he’s going to be meeting with the opponent and needs to know everything about them. “You can’t just go play a game. You have to practice and practice.”
Through all the practice, Hubbard may finally grow into the pass rusher that teams want him to be at the next level.
“I’m just hoping that I get put in the best situation where I’m able to produce,” he said.
Patrick Woo is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To reach him, email pww5053@psu.edu.
About the Contributors
Patrick Woo
Senior / Journalism
Patrick Woo is a senior from Crumpton, Maryland enrolled in the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism.
He is a Sports Director for ComRadio, reporter for the Centre County Report and manager for the Penn State women’s lacrosse team. He has interned with Bill King on Sirius/XM College Sports Nation and the Reese’s Senior Bowl and covered SEC, Big Ten and MAC Media Days, the NFL Draft and Super Bowl XLVIII among many other things at Penn State.
His biggest passions are college football and helping others by making a positive impact.
You can visit Patrick’s personal website at http://www.patrickwoo.com and follow him on Twitter @P_Woo.
