Player measurements are being taken at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, and Cal quarterback Jared Goff and Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg both had their hands measured at nine-inches exactly, according to tweets from ESPN’s Louis Riddick.
Jared Goff: 6040, 215, 9 hand
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) February 25, 2016
Christian Hackenberg : 6043 223, 9 hand.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) February 25, 2016
Those are pretty small hands for young men so big, but keep in mind that 9 1/8 inches is considered the threshold. Moreover, hand size isn’t a universal make-or-break measurement. It really depends on individual teams.
For example, Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr’s hands measured at 9 1/8 inches at the 2014 Combine, and he is one of the better young quarterbacks in the NFL today. In another case, however, Hall of Famer Brett Favre’s hands measured large at 10 3/8 inches and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson’s came in at 10 1/4 inches.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo’s hands were measured at just 8.88 inches.
The hand size debate really comes down to how comfortable teams are with the players ability to hang on to the ball. For Goff, that could raise some questions, considering he has had fumbling issues throughout his collegiate career. It could also scare away teams that play in the rain and snow.
That all being said, Goff and Hackenberg’s hand measurements are particularly interesting for a couple of reasons. First, it shows that even one with stock rising can be placed in the same category as one whose stock has plummeted recently.
Moreover, the question presents itself: will a top prospect in Goff’s small hands and slim build wind up hurting him at the Combine?
Stay tuned to Campus Sports for further updates out of Indianapolis!
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports