Strengths: quickness, speed, elusiveness
Weaknesses: size, frame
Kristen Hoskins is a 5’10”, 165-pound receiver from Alexandria, MN. Hoskins had offers from Minnesota and Iowa State before committing to the Gophers. Hoskins played in eight games in 2020 and finished with 40 receptions for 630 yards and nine touchdowns per MNFootballHub. Hoskins also plays for the Alexandria basketball team. In 2019, Hoskins clocked a 11.04 100m dash time.
I’m intrigued with the fit of Hoskins. He has the skill set of a smaller, Z-receiver the likes of Wan’Dale Robinson or Rondale Moore. I’m not saying he will become those players, but those two players were utilized on jet sweeps, out of the backfield, and played in the slot. Hoskins is extremely quick and shifty with excellent YAC (yards after catch) ability. Kristen can create separation at the line of scrimmage with his footwork and will become an excellent route running with time and coaching due to his quick feet and ability to stop/start smoothly.
Listed at 5’10” might be a generous listing as Hoskins looks smaller than that on film. Of course, there is always questions with how a smaller player will translate at the next level. I think creativity from the offensive coordinator is going to be key to getting the most out of Hoskins. If they run him on jet sweeps, send him on routes out of the backfield, or use him on underneath routes from the slot where he can take advantage of his quickness then he will be successful. If they stick him out wide and expect him to win on outside routes at each level, that’s not going to be advantageous to his game.
I see Kristen as a low-floor, high-ceiling candidate. If he can consistently create separation at the line of scrimmage and within routes he will be a weapon for the Gophers offense. If he is unable to do so, it will be a tough transition to the next level due to his frame. Given his speed, athleticism, and quick feet, I think he will be able to translate to the next level and should see playing time eventually.
Weaknesses: size, frame
Kristen Hoskins is a 5’10”, 165-pound receiver from Alexandria, MN. Hoskins had offers from Minnesota and Iowa State before committing to the Gophers. Hoskins played in eight games in 2020 and finished with 40 receptions for 630 yards and nine touchdowns per MNFootballHub. Hoskins also plays for the Alexandria basketball team. In 2019, Hoskins clocked a 11.04 100m dash time.
I’m intrigued with the fit of Hoskins. He has the skill set of a smaller, Z-receiver the likes of Wan’Dale Robinson or Rondale Moore. I’m not saying he will become those players, but those two players were utilized on jet sweeps, out of the backfield, and played in the slot. Hoskins is extremely quick and shifty with excellent YAC (yards after catch) ability. Kristen can create separation at the line of scrimmage with his footwork and will become an excellent route running with time and coaching due to his quick feet and ability to stop/start smoothly.
Listed at 5’10” might be a generous listing as Hoskins looks smaller than that on film. Of course, there is always questions with how a smaller player will translate at the next level. I think creativity from the offensive coordinator is going to be key to getting the most out of Hoskins. If they run him on jet sweeps, send him on routes out of the backfield, or use him on underneath routes from the slot where he can take advantage of his quickness then he will be successful. If they stick him out wide and expect him to win on outside routes at each level, that’s not going to be advantageous to his game.
I see Kristen as a low-floor, high-ceiling candidate. If he can consistently create separation at the line of scrimmage and within routes he will be a weapon for the Gophers offense. If he is unable to do so, it will be a tough transition to the next level due to his frame. Given his speed, athleticism, and quick feet, I think he will be able to translate to the next level and should see playing time eventually.
