Every NFL offense wants a smart, physical presence at the heart of their offensive line. A talented center who can recognize what opposing defenses are doing, effectively communicate to his teammates, and execute at a high level are invaluable.
That’s why Temple’s Matt Hennessy should be one of the first ones selected in the 2020 NFL draft.
Hennessy recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his career playing for the Owls, how facing elite competition in high school prepared him for the road ahead, and what kind of impact he’ll make at the next level.
JM: You’re an experienced starting center. You really were the leader of that Temple offensive line. How does that experience serve you well going forward?
MH: You need to be capable of being a leader if you’re going to play the center position at a high level. That just is what it is. It really falls on you to organize the offensive line position room. You have to take the lead on that. It’s extremely important. That experience will be a great asset for me as I transition to the NFL.
JM: What do you enjoy most about playing center?
MH: I love being in control. I’m making all of the calls at the line of scrimmage. It’s my job to put the team in the best position possible. I love having all of the pre-snap responsibilities and assignments.
JM: You had all of those responsibilities at Temple?
MH: I did. I loved every second of it. A center is like having another coach on the field. You’re the guy that has to adjust to the pressure. You have to put the team in the best position possible. It doesn’t matter if it’s a run or a pass. That responsibility falls on me. It’s the best position for me.
JM: You’ve been training out at the Sanford Power facility. How has the training process been going for you?
MH: It’s been excellent. I’ve always looked forward to this part of the process. I feel like I have an unlimited amount of resources at my fingertips out here. It’s a wonderful feeling and situation to be in. They’re doing some cutting edge training out here. The strength and speed components have been awesome. The nutrition aspect of it has been top notch. I’ve progressed a lot out here. It’s been a lot of fun.
JM: Your brother, Thomas, played college football at Duke, and he currently plays for the New York Jets. He’s bounced around the league a little bit. You’ve had a front-row seat to the ups and downs of this league. What has that taught you?
MH: It’s exactly what you said. In terms of entering the league, he was an un-drafted guy who signed with the Indianapolis Colts and they actually traded him before the first game of his rookie campaign. It really just taught me the business aspect of the NFL. Us players are essentially assets that can be signed, released or traded at any given moment. You need to add value to the organization and you’re expendable.
JM: Do you have a scheme that fits you best at the next level?
MH: No, I really don’t. I think that my skill set is pretty versatile. I can play in anything.
JM: Is there a scheme that maybe you’re more experienced with?
MH: I would say anything with a big zone scheme. That’s the scheme that allows the center to get out and reach the nose tackle. That’s absolutely huge in my opinion. It can create such large creases in the run game. That’s one scheme I really enjoy, but I’ll be excited to play in any scheme.
JM: Who are some of the best pass rushers you’ve squared off with?
MH: It’s funny, I’ll actually take you back to my high school days. I played at a powerful school in North Jersey called Don Bosco Prep. We were playing nationally and I was actually playing mostly tackle at the time. Throughout high school, I played against guys like Nick Bosa and Rashan Gary. Getting into college, I remember playing against Ed Oliver and Jerry Tillery. Those are just some of the better players I’ve seen throughout my career.
JM: What’s your favorite way to demoralize your opponent as an offensive linemen?
MH: Wow, that’s a great question. Finishing blocks is huge. Having the block that springs open a big run is a great feeling. To be able to finish the block at the end of that is the ultimate feeling. There’s just something about that psychologically. Throwing a body blow like that definitely takes a toll on your opponent throughout the game. It plays such a big role in the fourth quarter. Being able to consistently do that means you’re the more physical team, and the physical team is the one that pulls away at the end.
JM: Is there a pass set that you prefer utilizing more often than others?
MH: Not really. I’ve had three different offensive line coaches at Temple. I’ve worked with a number of different sets. I enjoy whatever helps me get on a guy quicker. Setting vertically is a good example of that. I really enjoy it all though.
JM: Is there one NFL quarterback that you’d love to block for?
MH: It’s tough for me to single anybody out. I’d love to block for a quarterback that’s a great communicator. All of the legendary quarterbacks are good communicators. They all have a great lead on things. That’s what makes them great. I like a quarterback that’s well prepared and communicates well. When you do those things, it goes back to what I said earlier about what I enjoy about playing center. It’s all about the pre-snap responsibilities and being prepared to execute at a high level.
JM: What kind of impact is Matt Hennessy gonna make at the next level?
MH: Matt Hennessy is gonna be a long-term guy for whichever organization decides to draft me. I’m somebody that’s gonna help move the culture forward. I’m gonna be around for at least 10 years.
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