With Chuba Hubbard securing his NFL future Thursday, Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik reflected on his initial interactions with the lightly recruited high school running back nearly a decade ago.
Serving as a rookie graduate assistant at Stanford, Idzik recalled his first year in the coaching profession. One of his early responsibilities included scouring the Internet to unearth prospects with good grades.
Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard, listening to coach Bernie Parmalee, signed a four-year $33.2 million contract extension Thursday … pic.twitter.com/FdIaPVZ247
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) November 8, 2024
Chuba Hubbard, Brad Idzik Fail To Connect Initially
During his search, Idzik discovered game film from a lightly recruited Canadian tailback from Bev Facey High School in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada, a growing hamlet east of Edmonton.
“I was 22 years old, first year coaching and part of my recruiting responsibility was to scour the internet with guys who had good grades, finding good tape,” Idzik explained during Thursday’s video conference. “And there’s this guy up in Canada playing on different surfaces, playing with a different level of talent, but he was just trucking guys and running around them and I brought him to our staff.”
A second-generation football lifer, Idzik thought he discovered gold. It turned out to be fool’s gold. Hindered by Canada’s primary school grading system, which differs from its Southern neighbor, Idzik was unable to connect with Hubbard
Idzik said the US’ standardized tests also helped prevent Hubbard from getting a look at Stanford during his senior campaign in 2016. A few hours after the Panthers announced they agreed to a four-year, $33.2 million contract extension with the fourth-year player, Idzik said he remains relieved over his ability to connect with Hubbard now.
Word spread about the teenager who recorded the world’s fourth-fastest 100-meter run for his age group. Hubbard eventually landed at Oklahoma State and then the Panthers as a 2021 fourth-round draft choice.
When Idzik was hired last offseason, the second-generation NFL executive was finally able to connect with Hubbard. It was worth the wait.
“He does a great job of putting action behind his words,” Idzik said, referring to Hubbard’s growing presence as a team leader.
QB Bryce Young and RB Chuba Hubbard were the last to leave the practice field Thursday. The 2 #Panthers players stopped for patient #NFL fans … pic.twitter.com/xhS5MuzGwo
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) December 21, 2023
Ejiro Evero: ‘Guy Epitomizes What You Look For In A Football Player’
Entering Sunday’s international matchup against the New York Giants in Germany, Hubbard ranks fifth in rushing yards (775) and carries a career-best 5.0 yards per carry mark. Last Sunday, during the Panthers’ 23-22 victory over the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium, Hubbard scored two touchdowns, including the game-winner on a 16-yard run with 1:08 remaining.
On Hubbard’s first scoring plunge, he scored on a 1-yard run, capping the opening drive of the second half. His reward? A bloody lip. The play earlier, Hubbard was stopped at the goal line. He rose and looked to the sideline at Idzik, who saw something in the competitive gaze. Coach Dave Canales called the same play. Touchdown.
“This guy epitomizes what you look for in a football player and a teammate,” defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero said. “He’s a great locker room guy. He does things the right way. He’s arguably, probably not even arguably, the hardest worker on our team.
“I mean, this guy is relentless in what he does and his approach.”
In 58 career games, Hubbard has compiled 2,645 yards on 638 carries with 17 touchdowns.
Following Thursday’s practice and before the team departed Charlotte, N.C., for Munich, Hubbard addressed the media in the locker room. He touched on what the deal meant to him and his family.
“I mean, it definitely lifts a burden off me a little bit,” Hubbard said. “I’ve always wanted to take care of my family for life and for my mom and my sister and everybody in a good spot and to be able to do that and know that your hard work pays off it definitely takes some of that stress off you.
“But at the end of the day, I want to be great. I want to be a Panther for life, and I want to change the culture here and win games. So still got a lot of work to do.”
@Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard (30), who inked a lucrative multi-year #NFL extension Thursday, and rookie Jonathon Brooks (knee), who was activated for the 1st time this week, represent the team’s backfield future … pic.twitter.com/xTJDWpObIk
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) November 8, 2024
