Cougars add small-school star OL

There has been a Big Foot sighting in the rural town of Huffsmith, Texas, which is on the outskirts of Houston. He’s been spotted working out, throwing the shot-put, playing football, performing community service, and acing his academics at school.

The legend of Huffsmith-Hargrave’s Matt Hart is growing a quickly as he is. The 6-6, 295-pounds offensive tackle committed to the University of Houston in June, before the Class 3A athlete was gobbled up by majors. Kudos for Cougar coach Art Briles for uncovering the diamond in the rough.

“He’s always been the biggest in his class, and we spend a lot of time at the grocery store,” Hart’s mom, Stacy, said. “This all started when he was a sophomore and coaches started coming by the high school. He gave up on baseball and basketball to concentrate on football – I think he made the right decision. I am surprised how quickly the offers came, however.”

Hart was being pursued by the likes of Arkansas, TCU, Rice, SMU, Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston and McNeese State, before verbally committing to Houston.

“I think if you have talent, college coaches will find you. I know that I could dominate on the Class 5A level also,” Hart said. “I really like the (Houston) program’s upside, the coaches and the fact that it is close to home. They plan on reshirting me next season so I can get accustomed to the offense.”

Hart was a first-team, all-district selection last season, as well as being on the all-academic team.