“Even when I was a player, I was still a coach. I knew everything on offense from A to Z. Older players would ask me what I
thought on this play. Even the coaches would ask what I thought,” he said. “My mind naturally goes that way.”
Whipple said Hankerson’s knowledge of the entire offense was critical in the season opening game against rival
Florida State in 2009.
“In my first season at Miami we lost the X-receiver. (Hankerson) had never even practiced there,” Whipple said.
“But he moved over and didn’t make a mistake. He made a big catch for a first down to help us win the game.”
Hankerson had been used sparingly before that in his first two seasons at Miami, but under Whipple, who became
the offensive coordinator in 2009, he blossomed.
As a junior, he caught 45 passes for 801 yards and six touchdowns. As a senior, he tied the school record with
13 TD catches as part of a 72-reception, 1,156-yard campaign that helped him become a third round pick of
the Washington Redskins.
A series of injuries conspired to limit his professional career to five years. He had stayed in touch with Whipple
during his time in the NFL and reached out when it ended.
“He’s been great. He’s always been smart. He loves the game. We always talked in the offseason,” Whipple said.
“He’s a guy that cared and had leadership abilities. You could always count on him and always trust him. We have
some young guys. With his experience and having played, he’s a great addition. It’s really good situation for those guys.”
Hankerson said starting his career with Whipple made the transition that much easier.
“He knows me. I know him well,” he said. “I had a great two years under Coach Whip. We loved him at (Miami).
That’s why I’m here now.”
Having played in the NFL, Hankerson is a living embodiment of what most of the UMass receivers want for their
own futures. So when he offers instruction, they’ve been attentive.
“He played five years in the league. He’s an inspiration to us,” sophomore Sadiq Palmer said. “He’s taught us a
lot of his moves and things to get us better. We need him. It’s helped a lot.”
Junior Andy Isabella agreed.
“Everybody listens when he’s talking,” he said. “He’s third-roundgreat to have around. He’s brought a lot of
energy to us. He’s doing a great job.”
