Will Hernandez

randall mcdaniel, vikings. mcdaniel starred in an era in which 300 pound offensive linemen were rare but it is easy to remember the great no. 64's squatty frame, physicality and consistency when watching hernandez. like mcdaniel (who started 202 consecutive games and earned all-pro designation nine straight seasons), hernandez earns top marks for durability and overall dominance, at least at the college level.

IN OUR VIEW

he can be a bit sporadic with his hand placement, grasping outside of the numbers and leaving himself vulnerable to slipping off or drawing penalties. though hernandez possesses impressive initial quickness (including when pulling), he occasionally gets a too far ahead of his skis once on the run, lacking the elite body control and anticipation to consistently hit moving targets. at times, he'll resort to lunging at opponents here, delivering some terrific hits but occasionally missing, as well. - rob rang 12/2/2017

COMPARES TO

do not make the mistake of thinking that because the miners finished winless in 2017 that the team lacks talent. in fact, in hernandez utep boasts its best nfl prospect since the raiders made linebacker thomas howard the no. 38 overall selection of the 2006 draft.

Hernandez is a plug and play candidate with 49 consecutive starts (all at left guard). As his size suggests, he is a mauler in the running game with terrific power. Hernandez also shows excellent awareness to recognize stunts and twists, as well as the athleticism to react appropriately.

weaknesses

Though he occasionally squared off against Big 12 opponents (including Oklahoma and Texas), the majority of UTEP's games were against inferior competition. Further, though he saw some time at center during practice over his career, Hernandez has zero starting experience at any other position other than left guard and does not long snap.

high school defensive tackle, hernandez still plays with the fire of a defender, jolting opponents with an explosive initial pop and showing legitimate nasty in his play, looking to pancake and dominate opponents. hernandez shows light feet, balance and excellent core strength in pass protection, sliding laterally and anchoring effectively when opponents attempt bull rushes. he keeps his head on a swivel and reacts aggressively to twists and stunts, firing outside when necessary to flank his left tackle and protect the edge.

As a run blocker, Hernandez shows an explosive initial punch and leg drive to generate movement at the point of attack and sells out when blocking at the second level, lunging into opponents to often create eye-popping collisions. He looks for work in pass protection, delivering well-timed punches to knock defenders off balance. UTEP's former and current coaches all rave about Hernandez's work ethic and commitment. - Rob Rang 12/2/2017

strengths

Hernandez looks like he was cut from an "OG" template with very broad shoulders and a thick overall musculature including meaty thighs and stubby limbs very conducive to winning the leverage battle. He is an impressive athlete for the position, showing terrific initial quickness out of his stance when asked to pull as well as explosive power in his hands and hips to generate clear movement at the point of attack.

Attended Chaparral High School, Las Vegas, Nevada; Played three years of varsity ball as an offensive guard and defensive tackle

recognized as All-Conference on both offense and defense

registered 42 tackles, eight sacks, one interception, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries during his senior season

completed on the wrestling and track & field teams as well.

Full name is William Hernandez

son of Robert Hernandez and Angelica Lemus

has one sister

born in Las Vegas, Nev.

kinesiology major.