Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame
One of the most versatile athletes in Linfield College history, Brandon Hazenberg was a do-it-all performer whose athletic ability and undaunted competitiveness resulted in two of the highest scoring football seasons on record.
The 2019 Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame inductee earned five varsity letters – four in football and another in track and field, where he competed in the sprints, jumps, throws and relays.
Though he starred as a quarterback at nearby Newberg High School, Hazenberg began his college football career as a cornerback. By the time he graduated in 2005, Hazenberg had become indispensable as a wide receiver, punt and kick returner and as a shutdown cornerback.
Linfield football coach Joseph Smith used the words “explosive,” “dynamic,” and “creative,” to describe Hazenberg’s most impressive qualities as an athlete.
“Haze is one of the few players who started on both sides of the ball for us. He had the unique combination of physicality and incredible explosiveness with the ball in his hands.”
Hazenberg remains the only Linfield player to ever receive all-conference recognition at three different positions in the same season.
“He was able to play defense because of his incredible tackling and playmaking ability,” noted Smith. “As an offensive player, his ability to run after the catch was truly something to behold. He could go from standing still to full speed exceptionally quick. It’s been a while since we’ve seen a player like him.”
A first team All-America punt returner on Linfield’s 2004 NCAA championship team, Hazenberg helped propel the Wildcats to four straight Northwest Conference team titles.
In the Linfield career record book, Hazenberg ranks fifth all-time at Linfield in receiving yards (2,165), receiving touchdowns (22), all-purpose yards (3,767) and is eighth in receptions (134).
He is the current school record holder for yards per punt return (22.88), while ranking fourth in punt return yards (389), and fifth in all-purpose yards (1,445).
He also owns the longest punt return in program history (92), and ranks second in passes caught (14) and fifth in receiving yards (217) in a single game.
Hazenberg competed in track and field just one season but ranks sixth on Linfield’s Top 10 list in the high jump. On his very first high jump attempt, he cleared 6 feet, 8 inches, drawing coach Garry Killgore to suggest he compete in the decathlon. He also threw the javelin, his specialty event.
“On one hand, Brandon’s competitiveness was part in parcel to his athleticism,” said Killgore. “He was such a freakish athlete who had a ridiculous ability to stick his nose in the fray and fight like crazy. I loved that about him. I really believe that’s an important quality for any individual who deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.”
Since graduating from Linfield, Hazenberg played Arena League football with the Boise Burn. And he’s been a mainstay on the Linfield coaching staff as special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach.
Brandon and his wife, Casey, are raising two children, son Bryden, and daughter Kenley. Together, the Hazenbergs operate their family’s sprawling dairy farm near St. Paul.
