Ryan Hassett brings power, production, and a disruptive edge to NIU
Hassett is a **6-foot-4, 245-pound EDGE/defensive lineman** who arrives at Northern Illinois after a strong high-school run at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee, where he posted **40 tackles, 6 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles in 2024**, then added **32 tackles and 6 sacks in 2025** while helping his team reach the D-I state semifinals.[2][6] His value goes beyond box-score production: the tape and recruiting writeups point to a **relentless motor, strong hands, and power at the point of attack**, traits that translate well for an attacking front.[8] For NIU, he looks like a developmental fit with legitimate pass-rush upside and the kind of physical profile that can change field position.
