Hashem stronger for experience
Aug. 27, 2010 - Regina Leader-Post
By Ian Hamilton
It's hard to imagine that the appearance of a 6-foot-7, 300-pound man could surprise someone.
Yet the fact that offensive tackle John Hashem is preparing for his fifth Canada West football season with the University of Regina Rams is a head-shaker for head coach Frank McCrystal.
"I thought he would have had a chance to play in the CFL," McCrystal said Thursday as the Rams continued preparing for tonight's Green and Gold intrasquad game (7 p.m., Mosaic Stadium). "I can't speak for CFL teams. I have no idea what they want or what they look for. I'm pleased for us, but I didn't expect he'd be back with us."
Hashem was selected by the Calgary Stampeders in the third round (24th overall) of the 2009 Canadian college draft and attended their training camp last season before being released. He returned to the Rams and was their starting right tackle throughout the 2009 campaign. Hashem signed as a free agent with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in March and went to their training camp this season, but was released June 22.
"I planned to make the team, but it didn't work out," said Hashem, a 23-year-old Reginan. "As soon as I was released, my focus returned to (the Rams) and winning a Vanier Cup.
"I'm not at all disappointed," he added. "I love this place. The CFL would have been cool, but the CIS is a great league and the Rams are a great organization. I'm happy to be playing here. I don't feel I've been downgraded at all."
The Rams, meanwhile, feel their offensive line has been upgraded with the return of a fifth-year O-lineman.
"He's experienced, he's a very bright guy, he's big, he's strong and he's got a great understanding of the game," McCrystal said. "He gives us a physical presence, a mental presence and some real leadership."
"Every fifth-year wants to be known as a leader and that's something I strive for," added Hashem. "I may not be the best speaker on the field or get the guys riled up, but I've been a good leader in the off-season by getting guys in the weight room or thinking about nutrition. I've tried to get everybody, especially the O-linemen, thinking about football."
Hashem may be thinking solely about the Rams for now, but he can use his stints in CFL training camps to his advantage.
He absorbed a lot in Calgary and Winnipeg and, thanks to CFL teams' extensive use of video, he has a new understanding of what defenders do to defeat his blocks. That can only help him during Canada West games.
"I'm playing more balanced," Hashem said. "I'm trying to put myself in situations where I can win every block. I'm also thinking more. At the same time, I'm not as anxious. I can see what a defensive lineman is going to do based on his alignment and his stance. I'd also like to think I'm stronger and quicker."
"He has worked extremely hard and spent a lot of time in the gym," noted McCrystal. "He's stronger, he's more confident and he's more mature."
Hashem certainly has taken a mature view of his time in the CFL. He claimed he doesn't have any thoughts of "what if ...?" as he prepares for his final season of university ball.
"I've always planned for everything that can come along," said Hashem, who's four courses away from an engineering degree. "Whether it's football, life or school, I've tried to put myself in position to go down the next path in life.
"My initial plan was to make the Blue Bombers, but all of the work I did for that is transferrable to this program. That's how I feel."