Cleveland Browns: 3 intriguing small-school undrafted free agents

1. J.T. Hassell, Safety, Florida Tech

J.T. Hassell joins the Browns out of Florida Tech, but that was his second school. He started his collegiate career at South Dakota State University and played there for two seasons. After playing in 26 games there, he headed to Florida Tech to be closer to home and he became a star for the Panthers.

He was the Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Year for Florida Tech in 2018 after recording 124 tackles, 9.5 for a loss, and had three forced fumbles. He did this from a linebacker position but will have to try out as a strong safety for Cleveland due to his size (listed on the team’s website as 5-foot-11 and 200-pounds).

He shouldn’t have a problem making the move from an athleticism standpoint, as Damond Talbot of NFL Draft Diamonds says his Pro Day numbers were beyond impressive and included a 42-inch vertical leap as well as a 4.38 40-yard dash.

Hassell is also a player that has overcome many odds, including the fact that he has only one hand. If this sounds familiar, it’s because Shaquem Griffin overcame this as well as the UCF product was drafted to play linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks in 2018.

Griffin didn’t let anything stand in the way of his NFL dreams and Hassell looks to follow in his footsteps. If he does, he will be a great inspirational story and is definitely someone to keep an eye on in the Browns training camp.