Jan 02, 2016 06:37 PM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Christian Hackenberg committed to Penn State six weeks before the NCAA levied a four-year postseason ban, a massive fine, and a reduction of scholarships.

As far as he knew, these sanctions ensured he'd never play in a bowl game and that his team would struggle just to crack .500, let alone compete for the Big Ten East. After three seasons, Hackenberg played in two bowl games and led the Nittany Lions to a 7-2 record going into Nov., a mark just off the division lead.

From Penn State football fans to athletics administrators to media outlets to his teammates, nearly everyone who watched Hackenberg has anything but gratitude for him. One ESPN staff writer even said Hackeberg "helped save Penn State."

He expectedly announced he'd declare for the NFL Draft, but evaluating his readiness for the NFL is proving tricky.

Both of ESPN's leading NFL Draft experts, Mel Kiper and Todd McShay, rank Hackenberg fifth among draft-eligible QBs in what they've deemed a mediocre group. Despite the tough circumstances, Hackenberg struggled with accuracy and his completion percentage fell each year at Penn State.

Evaluators will either see that issue as correctable or as a project, but all it will take is for one team to want him. Tim Tebow was a first-round selection after all. Bill O'Brien and the Houston Texans seem the most logical fit for Hackenberg, since O'Brien coached Hackenberg in his highly successful true freshman season.

The QB's early start in college also means he'll be among the younger passers in his class. He turns 21 in February. He also still has the physical tools that made him such an intriguing prospect coming out of high school: ideal size, a strong throwing arm, and surprising quickness and athleticism. To make a comparison, albeit an unfair one, these are the kinds of tools scouts said Andrew Luck possessed coming out of Stanford.

Hackenberg may be a truly talented passer that was a product of an impossible situation and who just needs some stability to thrive at the next level. He also may be a truly talented QB who will frustrate many a coach at the next level. But the one thing that appears certain is that there will be a next level for Hackenberg.

(Stats courtesy of ESPN)

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