Benedictine 2013 DT is one to watch

Recruiting is just beginning to pick up for Richmond (Va.) Benedictine School defensive tackle Austin Hague. The 6-foot-4, 248-pound lineman has a handful of schools looking. It shouldn't be surprising as his father was a talented athlete in his own right.

"My father played for Florida State, Richard Hague," he said. "He was a strong safety.

"My dad has coached me since I was five, flag football all the way up."

That coaching culminated in a breakout season this past year as a junior for Hague.

"I did pretty well," he said. "I averaged probably seven tackles a game. One game I had 16 against St. Christopher. I also did well on special teams.

"Last offseason I gained about 30-points and if I keep on that diet I'll get up more. My goal this offseason is to gain weight and get up to 265-pounds. I really want to play Division I football though and I'm working hard, working four days a week."

With regards to his recruitment, Hague has three schools primarily interested so far.

"I've talked to Duke, Cornell and Stanford," he said. "Duke came into school and I've called Stanford. I've called Cornell too. I know Duke and Cornell are contacting my coach at least once a week.

"They are just saying they are really interested in me and all want me to come to their combines. They all told me they liked my film this year."

Hague confirmed plans to hit a number of camps this summer including Richmond, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Duke.

One school not mentioned is Florida State, a school he would love to hear from.

"Florida State has been my dream school since I was a kid," he said. "My dad played there and I've always followed them. I just like the tradition. Coach Bowden was a great coach and obviously he is retired, but the legacy there, the tradition of the school is great and the campus is beautiful. They have a good football team. Also, I have family down there right outside of Tallahassee."

Hague confirmed he is trying to camp at Florida State as well this summer.

With interest picking up, what does he want in a college?

"I want to play Division I football, that is my goal," he said. "I want a big campus and I want a team that feels right to me. Academics are a great priority for me too as I have a 4.0 GPA and an 1110 SAT."