FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Ra'Shede Hageman doesn't care what his critics think.

He knows people questioned his work ethic last year during his rookie season with the Atlanta Falcons. He knows doubters wondered about his focus after a post from his Instagram account -- an account he said was hacked -- referenced a desire to find marijuana.

"Did it bother me? I've dealt with that my whole life," Hageman said of perception. "Everybody has their own opinion. At the end of the day, I build off that. Let's keep it real: Everybody has stereotypes. But if you get to know me, it's like, 'Wow, I never knew that about Ra'Shede.' I'm obviously a cool guy, on and off the field. But I can't control what people think. At the end of the day, I can only control myself and how I approach things."

Ra'Shede Hageman is eager to turn the page after a tough "Hard Knocks" portrayal last summer. Dale Zanine/USA TODAY Sports

Hageman also knows the Falcons' appearance on HBO's "Hard Knocks" did little to enhance his image leading into last season. The footage from the documentary series portrayed the defensive tackle as an out-of-shape, out-of-control, agitated player. There were several clips of him being chastised by fiery defensive line coach Bryan Cox.

Did Hageman think it was fair?

"Not at all," Hageman said, referring primarily to the conditioning aspect. "Tyson Jackson [Jackson] and I already volunteered to run to get in shape. Then the cameras came down and I was a little fatigued after running already. It bothered me a little bit. But again, I can't control what people think of me. I can just control my actions and go out there and play.

“That's all in the past now. I feel like it's time to make a new first impression.”

Hageman is off to a good start. He is more chiseled this season and reported to camp at 311 pounds -- seven pounds lighter than his listed weight a season ago. His tremendous strength was evident upon his arrival and continues to be an asset. But now, his foot quickness is more noticeable in an attacking, 4-3-under scheme.

“One of the things for him I've been most impressed about this spring and into training camp is how hard he's willing to go,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said of Hageman. “At that position, it's hard. Every down, there's not a break at defensive tackle, nose tackle, guards. He's been battling for it. I've been impressed so far.”

Hageman talked about what Quinn has emphasized.

“Get off the ball and stay low,” he said. “Clearly, I'm 6-6, so my pad level has been a problem. But DQ, I feel like we kind of feed off each other. And it's always a good vibe. He always gives me the utmost respect in critiquing my game, and I agree with him. Me penetrating and getting back in that backfield, that's all he wants me to do. And that's what I want to do.”

One thing Hageman hasn't done so far through five training camp practices is express anger toward himself, like he did often last season. Such frustration usually took him off his game and contributed to him playing out of control. He finished last season with 17 tackles, four tackles for losses, one sack and one quarterback hit in 210 defensive snaps.

“Of course I was out of control,” Hageman said. “I was going back to my college ways. I was popping my head up and watching the quarterback before I disengaged with the offensive lineman. My pad level was bad. If you want to really be good, you have to change things. Now, it all just clicked.

“Everyone strives to be better, especially myself. I obviously have to make changes to my game in order to improve my craft.”

As things stand now, Hageman has a starting role in the base defense as the 3-technique: the defensive tackle who aligns to the open (or weak) side of the formation on the outside shoulder of the guard. Although the Falcons have more bodies to rotate along the line, don't be surprised if Hageman stays in the game longer to create havoc against the run and pass.

"That's my goal," Hageman said. "Right now, it's more about run-stopping. My job is real simple. But whenever coach puts me in there, I'm going to go ahead and bust my butt. If they have to carry me off the field, so be it. As long as I put everything on the field, that's what it's all about."