A lot could change from now until national signing day on February 6. In football recruiting there is always some last minute things that develop as the national letters of intent are sent in via fax machine. Let’s hope that is the case with 4-star defensive end Jason Hatcher.
Late last week Hatcher’s recruiting was in a state of flux. A week ago Hatcher announced via his Twitter account that he had de-committed from USC and he was “wide open.” At that point, I’d say Louisville fans felt solid about where the homegrown prospect would end up. However, USC wasn’t going down without a fight and Kentucky’s new head coach Mark Stoops was involved as well.
On Thursday evening, Ed Orgeron, USC’s defensive/recruiting coordinator flew across the country for an in-home visit with Hatcher. Over the weekend Hatcher was in Lexington, KY., for what was believed to be some type of unofficial visit, but Hatcher hasn’t confirmed that his trip to Lexington had anything to do with the Kentucky football program.
Hatcher was initially set to visit Florida this past weekend and Louisville this up coming weekend, but his mother said late last week that he wouldn’t be taking the visit to Florida and he may still visit Louisville on Feb. 2. Steve Jones of the Courier-Journal spoke with Hatcher on Monday and reports that Hatcher will not visit Louisville. For what it’s worth, Hatcher has unofficially visited Louisville multiple times in recent months, but he will not take the official visit that he had previously had scheduled for nearly a month.
I don’t think anyone truly knows who the leader is for Hatcher, but his top three are USC, Louisville and Kentucky, in no particular order. He is set to announce his decision on national signing day. I’d be lying if I said I felt good about Louisville’s chances. A lot has changed in just a week’s time.
January 29, 2013 at 2:13 pm
If he signs with UL..Great. If Not….Oh Well. Good Luck to the Kid.
January 29, 2013 at 2:43 pm
I agree. Honestly I am sick of hearing about the kid. This type of back and forth nonsense makes me not even want the guy. I realize he is a stud but come on.
January 29, 2013 at 2:48 pm
Agreed.. I can’t stand all this back and forth. If you don’t want to be here then go to UK, which IMO I think he will.. Have fun getting your sh*t pushed in in the SEC.
January 29, 2013 at 2:53 pm
There has been some talk over the past 48 hours that Louisville was feeling the same way and actually pulled the scholarship offer from Hatcher. I can’t confirm that this is true, but the staff is working on a last minute visitor at the defensive end position.
I know Charlie Strong and staff really wanted Hatcher to come to Louisville, but they’re not going to sit around and wait. They want kids that really want to be a part of the program.
January 29, 2013 at 2:59 pm
He will sign with UK. Hatcher is a “project” Very good skills, talent and potential….but attitude is very poor. Charlie Strong would be awesome for this kid. Trinity coaches will miss his talent but not the headache that came with it.
January 29, 2013 at 4:51 pm
Another situation like Marcus smith. Last minute change the kid does not know what he wants and will be persuaded to make a decision he regrets. Good luck and where ever he goes I wish him the best but expect something less
January 29, 2013 at 6:41 pm
“They want kids that really want to be a part of the program.”
Bingo. Enough said. You’re either on the train or getting steam rolled (especially if he ends up at UK).
January 29, 2013 at 8:18 pm
Agree with everyone don’t need any drama on this team I mean it sure as hell would be nice to have a top 25 de in the country but I hope he goes to uk so he’ll end up realizing he wanted to go to ul.
January 29, 2013 at 10:16 pm
Word on the street is that Hatcher has been UofL all along and it going to act like UK has a chance then commit to the cards.
January 29, 2013 at 11:30 pm
Hatcher has recommitted to USC