Former Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback Matt Hankins has found a new home ahead of the season. The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Wednesday that they signed Hankins to their 90-man roster. The move coincided with the team waiving Kemon Hall with an injury designation.
Matt Hankins was a star in his five seasons at the University of Iowa. He finished his career in Iowa City—no, not Des Moines—with 212 tackles (136 solo), six interceptions, and 27 pass breakups. In 2021, Hankins was a second-team All-Big Ten selection and a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist.
we've signed CB matt hankins
→ https://t.co/jhW8cjD4op pic.twitter.com/93aWbEQyX6
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 16, 2023
After a successful career with the Hawkeyes, Hankins found himself on the Atlanta Falcons practice squad ahead of last season after going undrafted. The Lewisville, Texas, native spent last season with the USFL Champion Birmingham Stallions. Birmingham has sent 15 players to the NFL this offseason.
As a member of the Stallions, Hankins played in two games. While he didn’t play much, he made his snaps count. He returned a fumble for a touchdown in a playoff-clinching Week 9 win.
Hankins will join a cornerbacks group that includes J.C. Jackson, Michael Davis, Asante Samuel, Michael Jacquet, Deane Leonard, Ja’Sir Taylor, Cam Brown, AJ Uzodinma, and Tiawan Mullen. He will look to stick in the NFL given a second look by the Chargers ahead of the season.
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