Four-Star DE Jason Hatcher Again Shuns USC, Chooses Kentucky

Less than a week ago, Donna Hatcher, mother of four-star defensive end Jason Hatcher, told USCfootball.com her son was "going to go to USC, and we don’t want to make it more drama than it already is. We’ve told people he is waiting until signing day, but he is sticking with USC."

Having de-committed from USC after an official visit in January, Hatcher allegedly re-committed a week later. Concerns the family had about him playing so far away from his home state of Kentucky were assuaged. But then on Tuesday it was revealed that Hatcher had de-committed once again and would be choosing to stay closer to home.

On Wednesday morning, Donna sat beside her son as he put on a Kentucky hat and signed his National Letter of Intent, choosing the Wildcats over USC and Louisville.

Hatcher is ranked highest by Scout where he is the second-best recuit in the state of Kentucky as the No. 10 defensive end and No. 101 overall. He is the third best prospect from the Bluegrass State according to ESPN and Rivals. Rivals ranks him as the No. 23 DE and No. 221 overall while ESPN has him No. 14 at his position and 182nd overall.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive lineman uses his speed as his greatest asset to get around the edge. Though he dominated in high school, helping lead Trinity to its third consecutive Kentucky Class 6-A state title this season, Hatcher may have been a redshirt candidate at USC so that he could continue to add bulk. For new Kentucky coach Mark Stoops, he may get an opportunity to battle for immediate playing time.

Here's highlights of Hatcher from his junior year:

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