Gridiron Football Top 300: Montrel Hatten

Montrel Hatten is a Class of 2023 Wide Receiver for Carthage High School in Carthage, Texas. At 6’2” lbs, Montrel has the perfect build to burn corners off the line of scrimmage and still be a hassle for defenses to take down. Hatten can be seen often breaking numerous tackles in the open field to find the endzone. Something that separates Montrel from his peers is his insane ability to come down with almost any ball. In his film, Montrel is consistently laying out to make a diving catch or going up high to moss his defender. Montrel brings the same intensity on the field to the classroom as he currently has a 3.3 GPA. With his ability to make the big play and break tackles, Montrel Hatten is a player to look out for in his junior season.

Montrel Hatten’s Highlight Film

Why did you choose to play football and when did you start? I started playing in the backyard and got into organized football in 1st grade.  I chose to play it   because I grew up liking it.                                                                                   

What life skills has football taught you over time? It has taught me responsibility and how to fight through obstacles and hard times.

What are you thinking about pre-snap? If the DB is pressing me, I’m thinking the move I’m going to, the depth of my route, and just about making a big play.

Would you consider yourself a RAC (Run After Catch), Possession, or a go up and get it type of receiver? Go up and get it receiver.

What are some ways to get off a press from a corner? I will give him a 1-2 and foot fire, usually gets most defensive backs.

As a Wide Receiver, what is your favorite route to run? Why? Glance or a comeback, glances allow me to have open room to make a move and to score, but I can make someone fall on comeback route.

Would you rather have the corner press up, or play off of you? I like when they press, so I can show off my skill set.

What current or past player, do you think your game mirrors the most? Deandre Hopkins, because he catches everything and that’s what I try to do.

How do you high point a ball? If the ball is thrown short, I stop my route and I try to jump as high as I can. Most db’s can’t jump as high as me, and then I snatch the ball out of the air fast so db can’t knock it out.

How do you create separation so easily? Slap corners hands and shove him if he’s grabbing my jersey.

How do you think playing basketball has helped you be a better receiver? I can relate my crossover moves to my route running and basketball improved my jumping ability.

In your opinion, what is the best aspect of your game? My ability to catch the ball, I think I have the best hands in the country.

Do you have a quote you live by? My mom always said I was going to be great and I live by that every day.

How do you think Covid-19 impacted your sophomore season? Normally our games are packed, didn’t have as much fans, and college coaches couldn’t come see us play.

Do you have any goals for your junior season? I want to get 1,000 yards, win my third state championship, and have 13+ touchdowns.

At the end of the day, who is someone you look up to? My mom, she’s my biggest fan and my biggest critique, really just my biggest everything.

Describe a time where you were going through adversity, how did you get through it? Probably first game of the season, I wasn’t familiar with starting on varsity, so I had to learn how varsity works and how it’s different. I got through it by adjusting my game to the next level.

Finally, what are colleges going to get out of Montrel Hatten? They are going to get a handworker, going to show up no matter what, and a player who is going to do whatever he needs to do to help the team.