Former ASU star Hagan has bittersweet return with Dolphins

Former Sun Devil Derek Hagan made his first return to the desert on Sunday as a member of the Miami Dolphins.

He recorded his first reception of the season in the third quarter, catching a 20-yard pass from quarterback Chad Pennington on a third-and-five play, continuing a drive that resulted in Miami’s first score of the game. He later connected with Pennington for two more receptions and finished with a team-leading 51 receiving yards.

“It was good to be back, but none of it means anything since we didn’t come out with a win,” Hagan said. “Last week, for instance, I didn’t catch any passes but I still would have been happy if we had won.”

His return was made all the more bitter by ASU’s 23-20 overtime loss to UNLV on Saturday night. “(I was) very, very surprised. I was asleep and saw a text message at 4 a.m. … My girlfriend texted me, and I couldn’t believe it. I was surprised, knowing they have a tougher game next week.”

Hagan certainly hasn’t forgotten his Sun Devil ties, adding that he stays informed via a satellite hookup in Miami and tries to communicate whenever possible.

“I still talk to those guys, obviously with Rudy (Carpenter) and (Keegan) Herring. I do watch those guys; I’m always watching those guys.”

Hagan, who played in 50 career games for Arizona State, is the school’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, 100-yard games and receiving yards per game. His 258 career receptions are also good for the top spot in the Pac-10 record book.

Hagan was drafted by Miami as the 82nd overall pick in 2006, but saw limited action in his rookie season, catching just 21 passes for 221 yards and one touchdown. Under new coach Cam Cameron in 2007, Hagan increased his season totals to 373 yards and two touchdowns on 29 catches. Cameron lasted just one year before being replaced by current coach Tony Sparano, a former Dallas Cowboys assistant.

“You learn things every season,” Hagan said. “(My return) felt great, but obviously it didn’t turn out the way I wanted.”

On the differences between the college game and the pro game, Hagan pointed out the business aspect.

“This is a job, this is what I do. Whereas in college there were classes, now it’s football all day. There’s a real business side to this game.”