Interview: 2018 QB Layne Hatcher is on Pace for Arkansas and National Passing Records

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

A lot of high school quarterbacks talk about spinning the ball around the yard and just how great they are at doing so. No matter how big one player may stretch his on the field productivity, few if any can even exaggerate to the point of what Layne Hatcher has actually accomplished on the field.

Hatcher’s freshman season, in comparison to his sophomore and junior seasons, was a letdown. His solid stat line of completing 31-of-49 passes for 381 yards with six touchdowns against one pick as a backup at the varsity level gave hints of his accuracy and future touchdown to interception ratio. When the 2015 season kicked off, few could say they truly saw what was coming. Hatcher completed 309-of-469 passes for 4,667 yards with 55 touchdowns against just 11 interceptions.

The 2016 schedule produced a near identical stat line with 4,656 passing yards with 58 touchdowns and 19 interceptions tossed. The completion percentage for Hatcher has been pretty amazing considering how many times he has dropped back to pass. During his sophomore season, .659 percent. During his junior campaign, .647 percent. Hatcher is not a stone rock in the pocket either rushing for 77 yards and four scores in 2015 and 74 more yards with three additional touchdowns in 2016.

All of the high offensive output has not been in vain. Pulaski Academy has captured three consecutive Arkansas 5A state titles with their 6-2, 203 pound, quarterback on the roster. In 2014 the Bruins went 13-1 with a 28-28 title win over Wynne 38-28. The 2015 season was flawless going 14-0 with a 50-30 win over McClellan and the 2016 scheduled ended 13-1 topping Wynne yet again this time 55-16 for the trophy.

All the amazing stat numbers for Hatcher is helping him close in on state and national passing records. The lofty numbers are also drawing attention from top Division-I programs from around the country.

I sat down with Hatcher for a one-on-one interview getting the inside scoop on the prolific Class of 2018 talent with a recruiting news update.

Interview

Layne, did you set any state or school records in 2016 throwing for 4,656 yards with 58 touchdowns?

“I’m on track to have a shot at some passing records nationally. I should have every in-state record in 2017. I have been told that I am close on the national career yards.”

What is the career yards record?

“In Arkansas, Rhett Lashlee (Connecticut QB Coach) holds the record for yards and touchdowns. Nationally, I know I am in the Top 20 but I’m not sure who I will be catching during my senior year.”

We covered that. Now I have an important question, are you allowed in Wynne, Arkansas?

(Laughs) “I know I am not liked there. I don’t know if I am allowed into Wynne or not?”

Which team has been the toughest for you to compete against in your three years playing varsity football?

“The toughest team outside of Arkansas was our loss to East High School (Utah). From within the state, McClellan High School. They have such good athletes there. I have had trouble seeing what they are doing sometimes. In-state, it is definitely McClellan.”

How did that adversity make you better?

“It has developed a greater focus on reads, my timing, and going by the book instead of winging it. It makes me focused in on my skills.”

Three of your top receivers are graduating but you have Trajen Johnson and Brett Lynch coming back. How will the receiving corps be different for the Bruins in 2017?

“There will not be much difference. We get a running back coming back and two top wide receivers back. We have guys at the other positions that got some time in last year. There will be different names but these guys can fill in and play. There will not be a lot of change in our offense in 2017. We expect the same from our offense next year.”

How are you preparing the underclassmen to get ready for the season?

“They’ve been around our offense since the fifth grade at PA (Pulaski Academy). Some of them moved up during their freshman year in the playoffs and were around during their sophomore year. Now they know what it takes to play at the varsity level for PA. Now they have been there every step of the way.”

What are you working on to improve your craft during the off-season?

“I’m trying to develop better accuracy, footwork, and I’m working on staying in the pocket longer and letting my guys do their thing. I’m working on getting the ball to them quicker than I have in the past.”

What are the strengths of your game?

“I think my downfield accuracy is a big asset. My pocket awareness is a strength too. I can get out of bad situations with a pass rush. My offensive line does not put me in bad situations much, I do it to myself, but I can get out of those situations when needed.”

Do you work with a trainer or quarterback coach?

“I work with two guys in addition to Coach (Kevin) Kelly, my head coach. I work with Clint Stoerner (Arkansas Razorbacks) and Tyler Wilson (Arkansas Razorbacks).”

What camps are you thinking about attending this spring or summer?

“I’m going to the Elite 11 in Chicago, I may be going to a couple other exposure camps. Hugh Freeze (head coach) has invited me to an Ole Miss camp. I will look at Big Ten and Big 12 college camps with teams that fit my style of play.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Oklahoma State, Alabama, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Arkansas State, Purdue, UCLA, Ole Miss, and Louisiana Tech.”

Which schools have offered you?

“Ouachita Baptist has offered me. Multiple schools are coming in the spring to see me throw live.”

Which schools are coming to PA this spring?

“Louisiana Tech, Arkansas State, and Dartmouth. Those three for sure. Alabama said they will drop by in the spring. Those four schools are the ones I know about for now.”

Did you take any unofficial visits during the season?

“Yes. I went to Auburn, Louisville, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Alabama, Louisiana Tech, and Ouachita Baptist.”

Wow – that is a lot of traveling.

“Yes. It was a long football season.”

What were some of the things you learned from all your visits about college and/or the college game?

“Taking visits is an experience you need to go through in the recruiting process. I learned that I am capable of playing with those guys at the next level. I also learned that it meant something to those guys that you showed up and cared about their university.”

What feedback have you received from college coaches?

“A lot of them are impressed with the winning record. I have just one loss as a starter. The like the yards and touchdown passes. They think I can grow and play at the next level. My size was a concern, but I have grown to being 6-2, 203. Now I am just waiting on them.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“I have a 3.67.”

Do you have a score on the ACT or SAT you don’t mind sharing?

“I got a 23 on the ACT.”

Last question, what is your favorite part about playing football?

“I like the thrill of it, the adrenaline. I like seeing the hard work payoff. I think I out work everyone in the country. I like seeing the work payoff.

“I’d like to thank my coaches real quick. They are great people. I would not be here without them.”

Layne, thanks for your time today and good luck at all of the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Hatcher family; Layne Hatcher and parents at Auburn (2016).

Photo credit: Sheldon Smith; No. 3 Layne Hatcher rolls out to pass.

Photo credit: Sheldon Smith; No. 3 Layne Hatcher looks downfield.