Carlos Hatcher took huge steps toward where he ultimately wants to be this season.
The 6-foot-3, 235-pound Tulane freshman defensive end is the son of former NFL veteran Jason Hatcher and as a senior in high school switched to the same position his father starred at with the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins over 10 seasons.
At times, Hatcher looked like a natural with the Green Wave this season, finishing with 14 tackles, seven of them solo and 1.5 sacks, according to ESPN.
Hatcher was a three-year letter-winner at Hebron High in Texas and as a senior recorded 55 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one pass defended. He was also named Texas Class 6A Honorable Mention All-State by Associated Press Sports Editors.
His strong season came after sitting out his entire junior year recuperating from a torn ACL.
Hatcher, who also ran track in high school, chose Tulane over Southern Mississippi and Grambling.