Hatton enjoys his combine experience

Top underclassmen flocked to San Antonio late last week to showcase their abilities at the U.S. Army All-American Combine. One of the players who made their way to Texas was sophomore offensive lineman Tommy Hatton of Montvale (N.J.) St. Joseph's.

"I just got home from San Antonio," said Hatton, who is 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds. "It was awesome."

A number of things stood out for Hatton during his trip to Texas.

"The competition and the experience was great," he said. "I think I did very well. My times were decent, but when it came to the 1-on-1's, I did very well. I met a lot of people out there and got more info on recruiting. I saw how I stacked up against the best kids in the country."

Hatton was a starter on the offensive line for his state championship high school team last fall.

"I believe my sophomore season was a success," said Hatton. "Getting to start for such a proud program like St. Joe's, and I felt like the o-line, including me, dominated everybody we played. About myself, I think I did very well not letting up a sack all year, while playing against top-notch competition. I felt like every week I was getting better and better, and more dominant."

Hatton has plans for a busy off-season.

"I plan on working out everyday and getting bigger, faster and stronger," he said. "I'm going to attend a few college camps and hopefully the Rivals Underclassman Challenge."

Being a sophomore starter on a program that traditionally produces BCS level talent, it should come as no surprise that college coaches are already well aware of Hatton.

"Recruiting is moving along well," he said. "I receive mail and met some coaches when they came to visit the school. Right now I don't have any offers, but hopefully that will change soon."

Showing the most current interest are Rutgers, Boston College, Ohio State and Miami, and Hatton hopes to check out a few of these schools this summer for camps.

"Ohio State, Penn State and maybe Notre Dame, and my team does the Boston College camp so I will be in attendance with my team," said Hatton, who mentioned his goals at each camp he attends. "I hope to prove how explosive I am, how good my technique is and how I can compete and block anybody in the whole country."