Q&A with NUC Superstar Jason Hatcher

Recently NUC National Analyst Barry Every caught up with former NUC Superstar and current USC commit Jason Hatcher. Hatcher is one of the most decorated NUC participants in camp history. In 2010 he won MW Ultimate100 Overall MVP and Top Prospect Camp DL MVP. In 2011 he again won MW Ultimate100 Overall MVP and this time was named Top Prospect Camp Overall Line MVP. Jason was happy enough to tell us a little about the recruiting process and why he chose USC. I also know that by sharing with us he hopes to educate younger football prospects about the recruiting process. The NUC staff would like to extend its best wishes to the Trinity Rocks football squad and their quest for another state title this fall.

How many National Underclassmen camps have you attended?

I think five. I know I attended two Midwest Ultimate100 Camps and I was in Oklahoma for two Top Prospect Camps.

What did you like about the Camps you attended run by the National Underclassmen?

I really liked building relationships with the coaching staff. And I really liked the defensive line coach Quincy Hipps and how he just told it the way it was. I also thought NCSA did a nice job of educating young players about the recruiting process and what to expect.

What would you say to younger kids in the class of 2015 and 2016 about National Underclassmen camps?

First of all the coaching is the same whether it is a Nike Camp, Under Armour Camp or any other camp. I would also encourage the younger players to go to as many camps as possible; find out where you stand early on in the process. But most importantly pay attention, listen, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

What was it like being selected for the Opening in Oregon?

I felt like I had to prove myself to everyone especially since I was Kentucky and maybe a tad underrated. But after I went out there and started performing I didn't think about it anymore I just didn't let it bother me. Once the cameras started rolling they were mostly on other players, but by the end they were on me and I felt a great sense of accomplishment.

Let's talk a little about your own recruiting and your recent decision. What was the thing you liked most about the recruiting process?

I loved visiting all the schools and just meeting different people from around the country.

What schools did you get to officially visit before you made a decision?

I visited Alabama, Kentucky, Louisville, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and USC.

Was it any easy choice to pick USC over all the offers you had? And what other schools were in the hunt till the very end?

It wasn't an easy choice it took a lot of hard work and deep thought to come to this decision. Louisville and Tennessee were probably the other two schools I gave serious thought about attending.

Was distance ever a factor in your decision making?

Distance was not a factor. All my life I have wanted to go away from home to go to school.

What about USC made them so attractive that you finally committed there?

I just know a lot of guys that are in the class of 2013 already committed to USC. When I was at the Opening I hit it off with USC commit Eldridge Massington. I also liked what I saw on the USC depth chart defensively.

Finally let's talk about your upcoming season at Trinity High School. What are some of the things you look forward to this fall?

I really look forward to playing Brentwood Academy at home. They are a really good team and fellow USC commit Jalen Ramsey is on their team. I also look forward to playing Cathedral, IN on ESPN. The game is being held at Lucas Oil Stadium where the Colts play. We also have games versus three Cincinnati Schools (Elder, Moeller, and St. Xavier).