Boise State’s head football coach is brimming with pride and confidence as one of his former stars, cornerback Ahmed Hassanein, takes the next step in his football journey with the Detroit Lions. According to the coach, Lions fans are in for a treat—and he believes it won’t take long for them to fall in love with the rookie’s style of play, work ethic, and character.
Ahmed Hassanein, a standout defensive back at Boise State, was a late-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but his former coach insists that draft position doesn’t tell the full story of his potential. “You can’t measure heart, determination, and intelligence on a draft board,” the coach said during an interview earlier this week. “Ahmed brings all three in abundance. He’s the kind of player that makes coaches look smart and fans get excited.”
During his college career, Hassanein became known for his versatility and football IQ. He played both cornerback and safety during his tenure at Boise State and consistently took on the responsibility of covering opponents’ top receivers. Standing at 6-foot-1 with a wiry yet muscular frame, Hassanein used his length and speed to break up passes and stay step-for-step with receivers in man coverage. In his final season, he recorded four interceptions and 12 pass breakups, and earned All-Mountain West honors.
But it wasn’t just his physical play that drew attention. The coach noted that Hassanein was frequently found studying film late at night, often staying after practice to work on footwork drills or mentor younger players. “He has a leadership quality you don’t teach. It’s natural,” the coach said. “He leads by example, and it rubs off on everyone around him.”
Detroit, a team in need of young talent in its secondary, could prove to be the perfect landing spot for Hassanein. The Lions have a growing reputation under their current coaching staff for developing late-round talent into NFL contributors, and early indications from rookie minicamp suggest that Hassanein is already turning heads.
Lions secondary coach Kevin Williams offered praise following the team’s first practice sessions. “He’s smart, picks things up quickly, and plays with an edge,” Williams noted. “You can tell he’s been coached well, and he’s hungry.”
Back in Boise, the coach and entire Broncos program are watching with anticipation. “He’s not just representing himself out there—he’s representing our program, our city, and what we’re about,” the coach said. “I know Detroit fans value toughness, grit, and heart. That’s who Ahmed is.”
Off the field, Hassanein has already shown maturity and humility in interviews. When asked about his goals with the Lions, he emphasized contributing however he can, learning from veterans, and earning the trust of his coaches and teammates. “I just want to get better every day,” he said. “I don’t care about headlines. I care about helping the team win.”
That mentality has endeared him to his new teammates quickly. Several veteran players have reportedly taken him under their wing, impressed by his drive and respect for the game. With preseason still months away, Hassanein is doing all the right things to make his mark early.
For the coach who watched him grow from a quiet freshman into a confident leader and NFL draft pick, it’s not surprising. “The city of Detroit is going to love this kid,” he said with a smile. “They might not know it yet—but they will.”
The journey from Boise to the big leagues is never guaranteed, but if heart, work ethic, and talent have anything to say about it, Ahmed Hassanein’s story in Detroit may just be getting started.
