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Eric Hazzard would be the first to tell you that Louisville wasn’t a place he envisioned playing at until recently.
That changed after his first visit to the school. During that trip he told his dad that he could seriously envision a future playing for the Cardinals.
Fast forward to the present day and that future has become a reality. Page’s standout edge-rusher has announced his commitment to Louisville, choosing the Cardinals over Arkansas State and Memphis.
“Getting this out of the way is a great feeling to have,” Hazzard said. “I was blessed to have over 30 offers heading into the summer before my senior year so getting the opportunity to choose where I wanted to play was outstanding. Choosing Louisville, I’m going to an ACC school that has a plan for me.
…they know where I fit and can see me playing at the next level. All of that just made my decision and is a great confidence booster.”
While Arkansas State was in the mix, Hazzard said his decision ultimately came down to Louisville and Memphis. He took officials to both schools, visiting Memphis June 14-15 and Louisville a week later.
Both visits stood out to Hazzard but his relationship with the Cardinals’ Co-Defensive Coordinator and defensive line coach Mark Hagen really tipped the tide in favor of Louisville.
“Knowing Coach Hagen’s record his relationship with Coach (Jeff) Brohm really was the biggest factor,” Hazzard said. “Coach Brohm’s from Louisville and played there so that gave me a confidence boost that they’re there to stay. Coach Hagen’s also got a resume that stands out.
…he’s put over 40 guys into the NFL so he knows what kind of work ethic is needed to get there. He made it very clear that I have what it takes to get there.”
A sign of things to come for future Page Patriots
Getting his commitment out of the way now is something Hazzard says takes a lot of weight off his shoulders.
The recruiting process as a whole can be a bear but more than anything, Hazzard is just excited to put all of his focus into what should be a memorable senior season.
An all-state selection and Class 5A Mr. Football finalist in 2023, Hazzard was also the 615 Preps Medium Class Defensive Player of the Year. He finished his junior season with 78 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, 10 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Hazzard’s commitment is the latest in what’s been win-after-win-after-win for the Patriots’ defense.
Last year Brenden Anes announced his commitment to Wisconsin. A few weeks ago, William Wiesbush committed to Memphis, and now Hazzard’s headed to Louisville.
With three of their defensive standouts now committed heading into their senior year, Hazzard believes that this is just a sign of things to come.
“I think this just allows for us to put more into the team because we know what it takes to get to the Division I level,” said Hazzard. “You got a guy going to Wisconsin, one to Memphis and now one to Louisville. This shows a lot about who we are and how this program builds.
…this is a cultural thing that anyone who comes to Page has the opportunity to do. If you put in the work and have a great work ethic, you can get to that next level with the coaching staff we have.
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