Hasz Finds a Perfect Fit: The transfer tight end who could elevate Ole Miss’ offense
Luke Hasz was one of Ole Miss football’s most significant off-season additions from the transfer portal.
Hasz was ranked as the No. 2 tight end by On3 and joined the Rebels from SEC rival Arkansas. He was one of three Razorbacks brought in by the Rebels. The others were cornerback Jaylon Braxton and offensive lineman Patrick Kutas.
Hasz, Braxton and Kutas are all in line to start. Hasz chose Ole Miss over Alabama, LSU and others. Ole Miss signed the No. 2 transfer class in the nation, according to On3.
“It’s kind of crazy that all that happened, but that was really just an individual decision for all of us,” Hasz said. “It’s exciting having them, both those guys, ‘cause getting to play with those guys at Arkansas, they were the hardest workers and some of my best friends as well.
“I was close with Jaylon because we were the same class coming in. I lived one apartment down from Patrick Kutas my freshman year. He’s a great guy. Both of them are great guys. It’s really cool to have both of them here.”
Hasz has come in and immediately established himself as a top pass-catching option in a new-look Ole Miss defense.
The Rebels are replacing over 72 percent of all-22 on both sides of the ball. Hasz takes over for Caden Prieskorn, who is off to the NFL Draft, and pairs with returner Dae’Quan Wright to form one of the SEC’s more formidable tight end combos.
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Hasz had 42 receptions for 577 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 games for the Razorbacks.
“We loved Oxford whenever we got here — just the people and all the things it has to offer,” Hasz said of his decision. “Definitely (tight ends) coach (Joe) Cox being a big emphasis on that, just because I’ve known him for a while, just from high school recruiting. Getting to work with Dae’Quan, too, is a really big thing. I like being able to compete with him. And then just the system that coach (Charlie) Weis and coach (Lane) Kiffin have, I think it’s a great opportunity for us as tight ends to be used well in run blocking and passing game.”
Wright and Hasz are essentially co-starters.
“It’s just a blessing to be able to have him in the room, cause we’re both experienced and stuff like that,” Hasz said. “His attitude and work ethic and just after plays getting to come and talk to each other, it’s only going to make us better. It’s even more exciting when we’re both on the field at the same time.”
Ole Miss is in its third full week of spring football practices.
The Rebels held a closed session on Thursday and return to the fields on Saturday. ‘Meet the Rebels’ is coming back on April 12 after a six-year hiatus as the replacement for a traditional spring game.
While there’s so much new, Hasz, a former 4-star recruit, believes in what the Rebels have, namely in first-year starting quarterback Austin Simmons. Simmons is taking over for three-year starter Jaxson Dart, a potential first-round selection in the draft in a couple of weeks.
“It was a hard decision to leave, but ultimately it was best for my future,” Hasz said. “As soon as I got in, all that Ole Miss had to offer, with coach Cox being a quarterback in the past and just his knowledge of defense and working with tight ends for a while, it was really a no-brainer.”
Hasz has already seen encouraging leadership signs from Simmons. Simmons received playing time for the first time in his career last season. He completed 19 of 32 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns in nine games. He also rushed five times for 14 yards.
“His willingness off the field to get guys together — the way he recruits and stuff like that,” Hasz said. “The first day whenever I was able to come here, throwing with him. He throws a great ball, and he’s always wanting to get us up here and go through walk-thoughts and just build chemistry. He’s just a really good guy to be around.”
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