Pulaski Academy Coach Kevin Kelley has had his share of outstanding quarterbacks in 13 years at the school and sophomore Layne Hatcher is the latest.
“There’s no question, he’s going to be a Division I recruit,” Kelley said. “People like quick releases and a strong arm. But now days everybody likes mobility too. He’s just dangerous enough in the running game to hurt people. In the end, I think that’s what’s going to put him over the top.”
In 11 games, Hatcher, 6-0, 185 pounds has completed 235 of 347 passes for 3,707 yards while only throwing 6 interceptions. He’ll lead the Bruins against Hope and Arkansas defensive end commitment McTelvin Agim in round two of the Class 5A playoffs at home tonight.
Bruins quarterback Stefan Loucks, who’s the state’s all time passing leader with 13,703 yards, started as sophomore, but struggled the first two games before throwing for over 500 yards against Warren.
In his first start, Hatcher started strong by completing 26 of 41 passes for 259 yards and 4 touchdowns in a 40-13 victory over Dallas Highland. The loss snapped Highland’s 84 game home winning streak.
“In our offense there’s so much stuff mentally,” Kelley said. “You have to make so many pre-snap checks and check on the defense and check on the leverage and know the play and know what everybody is doing.”.
“That’s tough when you’re a sophomore when you have four, five, six guys coming at you trying to kill you. At the same time, you're supposed to be looking down field making your reads.”
While most spread offenses focuses on a quick passing game with short routes, Pulaski Academy is much different. Kelley said that makes Hatcher’s play even more impressive.
“I guarantee you we throw the ball further down the field more often than anyone else in the country and to only have six interceptions in the mist of all that is just phenomenal,” Kelley said.
In addition to Loucks, who signed with Texas Tech, Kelley has coached Spencer Keith (Kent State) and Fredi Knighten (Arkansas State).
“He’s probably got the quickest release I’ve coached,” said Kelley of Hatcher.
While he doesn’t possess Knighten’s speed, Hatcher is plenty mobile enough while also having good strength.
“He’s very, very mobile in the pocket, buys time a lot,” Kelley said. “He’s an extremely strong kid. He’s about 185 pounds right now and he’s obviously still growing. He’s added 15 pounds in the last six months.”
Hatcher’s combination of talent and work ethic gives him a strong chance of reaching his potential.
“He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen,” Kelley said.