FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (April 22, 2020) – After starting all 23 games for the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks in 2016 and 2017,
Cole Habib missed what was originally expected to be his senior year following a knee injury in the Spring of 2018.
But the 6-foot-5 tackle returned to the field and produced the best season of his career in 2019, earning the first All-Big Sky honor of his career. Starting at right tackle, Habib helped anchor a line that protected
Case Cookus as he became the program's all-time passer and led the nation in passing yards.
Third in yards and 10th in points per game, Northern Arizona's offense operated with a largely new offensive line. Only Habib and
Luke Rudolph had starting experience before the 2019 season, and the former landed on the conference's first-team at the end of the season.
Listed at 310 pounds in addition to being one of the tallest players on the team, Habib's frame and steady presence during his final three active seasons presents him as a potential asset for professional teams going forward.
Q: How are you staying in shape with everything currently going on? Are there any specific workouts you are doing or trainers you are working with?
A: I was stuck in Flagstaff for a while when everything first closed down, so I started by doing at-home workouts. I got home to (San Diego) about a week ago and I've been able to work one-on-one with a guy I know here from a gym called 1RM.
Q: Is being locked down tougher for an offensive lineman to train, given how much work you do as a group and needing people to rush against you for pass blocking?
A: It is difficult on some level, but a lot of stuff that we do for training is individual. A lot of drills you can do on your own, so I haven't found any issues working on individual skills.
Q: How much have teams mentioned that your measurables are important on the offensive line? Would they prefer you to play in the interior or out at tackle?
A: I'm willing to play both guard and tackle. I haven't played guard since high school, but it's something I could do if I needed to at the next level.
As far as measurables, guard and tackle are somewhat interchangeable. At tackle, you have to be a little lankier I think. It would be easy for me to move inside if need be.
Q: Is this a tough position to be in when you went to a smaller school and did recently miss a year before coming back in 2019?
A: I don't think being an FCS player is a problem at all. We get a lot of looks; we have scouts coming out to our practices and we have plenty of exposure.
It was difficult coming back this season though, having to do a year rehab and get back into the swing of things. Once I got through spring though, I was confident coming into the season.
Q: How have you been able to connect with teams after not having a pro day?
A: My dad played pro so he has a bunch of connections and he's been talking to guys. I've also had a few coaches at NAU that I've been talking to. My old coach, Coach (Tim) Davis, as well as Coach (Bob) Connelly have been helping out and talking to a few guys for me. I've had no problem getting in touch with some pro guys and scouts to get my name out there.
