Hatcher to return home for first-ever football camp

Grambling, Jena product is inviting several of his Dallas teammates along, too

By Nick Deriso
nderiso@thenewsstar.com

Dallas Cowboys defender Jason Hatcher, a Grambling and Jena High product, has announced his first-ever football camp.

The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 15-16 at the Jena High football field. Cost is $60.

Guest coaches are to include several Dallas teammates, including Wossman and West Monroe product Bradie James -- as well as Marcus Spears, Montavious Stanley, Quincy Butler, Miles Austin and others. Several area prep coaches have also been invited.

Call camp director Charley Richard for more details at 281-451-6533.

Hatcher, selected at No. 92 overall last year by the Cowboys, was an All-State tight end at Jena High, but then flourished on defense at Grambling.

Hatcher's senior campaign ended with first-team all-conference honors after he made 71 tackles (49 solo) with 21½ tackles for loss and 11 sacks in 2005. He also had one forced fumble, 16 quarterback hurries, a pass breakup and a blocked kick.

As a junior at GSU, Hatcher tallied 33 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and five sacks in his first year on defense.

Receiver Jake Reed had been Grambling's last first-day pick, going in the third round of the 1991 draft. It's most recent selection was defender Kenneth Pettway, who went in the seventh round by Houston of the 2005 draft.

Hatcher saw action in nine NFL games last season, primarily in passing situations. He made 15 total tackles and 2½ sacks.