Arkansas QB talks Alabama flip
Layne Hatcher, 2018 quarterback from Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas, was set to enroll at Arkansas State as a preferred walk-on with plans of going on scholarship his sophomore year. He did not sign a letter of intent. It opened the door for other programs to potentially sway him prior to joining the Red Wolves.
Hatcher probably didn't imagine hearing from Alabama head coach Nick Saban on Friday morning. Hatcher heard all he needed to hear from the six-time national champion head coach. He is packing his bags with a GPS set for Tuscaloosa instead of Jonesboro. He will arrive in T-Town on Sunday.
"Alabama had talked to me about being a preferred walk-on," Hatcher said. "I spoke to Coach Saban today. It was a different kind of offer. I was immediately on board. I am excited to be a part of Alabama.
“It’s been a whirlwind. I woke up this morning after getting back from vacation from my senior trip. My mom told me Nick Saban was calling me, so I better get out of the shower.
"I didn't sign an LOI with Arkansas State. I was going to get my scholarship the second year I was there. I told them about Alabama. They were great about it. They showed true class. Those guys are really great."
The call from Nick Saban didn't just come out of the blue. Alabama had evaluated the signal caller.
"I have been talking to Alex Mortensen (Alabama graduate assistant)," he said."I also started talking to Coach Enos once he arrived at Alabama. I then talked to Coach Saban after that. They came to see me once. They saw me throw. They were impressed with my accuracy and how I had done some good things in high school.
"I knew Coach Enos when he was at Arkansas. I went to a few camps. It's great to be able to get to know him better. I think he is a great guy. He is a class act. He cares about his guys. He loves the game of football. I can't wait to learn under him."
Hatcher will travel to Tuscaloosa this weekend to begin his college career. He has at least visited the Capstone.
"I have been there once," Hatcher said. "I went to a game against Kentucky my junior year. There is nothing better than Bryant-Denny Stadium with 100,000 fans packed under the lights. I can't wait to experience it for myself."
Alabama is recruiting his former teammate, Hudson Henry, in the 2019 class. Henry is the No. 1 tight end in the country. Hatcher hopes the two will connect again at the next level.
"I am for sure going to be recruiting him," he said. "He is one of the first people I will talk to. I know he is releasing his top five tonight. I will be on him if Alabama is on the list."
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound athlete had an impressive senior campaign with 5,700 yards passing with 66 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. He averaged 412 yards passing each game. He was named the Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Player of the Year.