Playing at the University of Michigan hasn’t guaranteed an easy path to joining Jim Harbaugh on the LA Chargers, contrary to what many fans had hoped. While it helped some players, like running back Hassan Haskins, initially land a roster spot, that alone might not be enough to secure their future with the team.
In Harbaugh’s first year as head coach, the Chargers selected two Michigan players—linebacker Junior Colson and wide receiver Cornelius Johnson. However, Johnson was released before the season and wasn’t added to the practice squad, showing that Michigan ties didn’t guarantee a place on the team.
Haskins could face a similar fate in 2024. Claimed off waivers last season to contribute in short-yardage situations and on special teams, he may now be on the bubble. After a draft where the Chargers didn’t select any Michigan players, Haskins’ spot on the roster could be in jeopardy.
Former Michigan running back Hassan Haskins is on the Chargers’ chopping block
Last season, Haskins was brought in as a short-yardage specialist who offered a unique contribution: value on special teams—something the other running backs didn’t provide. J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards were too vital to the offense to risk on special teams, and rookie Kimani Vidal wasn’t yet ready to take on that responsibility.
Haskins also saw some action in short-yardage situations within the Chargers’ offense. He recorded 34 carries for 89 yards and notched the first two rushing touchdowns of his NFL career.
He played just 13% of the offensive snaps but was on the field for 63% of the special teams plays. That special-teams impact is largely what kept him on the roster in Los Angeles.
However, in 2025, the backfield is much more competitive than it was a year ago. Najee Harris and first-round pick Omarion Hampton are set to lead the running game, while Vidal is expected to take a step forward in his second year.
The Chargers also have undrafted rookie Raheim Sanders, whom they’ve been so cautious with that they held him out of some drills during rookie minicamp—an indication of their belief in his potential. For Haskins to remain on the team, he’ll need to outperform Sanders in training camp, though the team may still lean toward the younger back with less wear.
Haskins played under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan for all four years and had a breakout senior season in 2021, rushing 270 times for 1,327 yards and 20 touchdowns. While Blake Corum’s immediate rise after Haskins left made those numbers seem less spectacular, Haskins still ranks fourth in Michigan history for single-season rushing touchdowns.
He and Corum are the only Wolverines in the last century to post 20 or more rushing touchdowns in a single year. That performance earned Haskins a fourth-round selection by the Tennessee Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft, but his college success hasn’t translated to the pro level.
Now, he faces the possibility of being cut by his former college coach, which could leave him searching for a new opportunity.
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