BREAKING NEWS: HATCH UNDER CENTER

Who knew replacing Matt Flynn (pictured), seventh round pick and third string hopeful for the Green Bay Packers, would be more difficult than replacing former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell?

Next Level Scouting Inc., reports that Andrew Hatch is the favorite to be the starting quarterback for LSU following a closed scrimmage earlier this week. The 6'4 junior transferred to LSU from Harvard prior to the 2007 season. Hatch appeared in one game before suffering a shoulder ailment. He was granted a medical red-shirt.

Originally, he was slated to attend BYU to play for then Cougars head coach Gary Crowton, who moved on to Oregon before joining Miles at LSU as the Tigers’ offensive coordinator.

At Harvard, Hatch saw action with the junior varsity team as a freshman, before heading off for a two-year Mormon mission in Chile. While in South America, the Provo, Utah native injured his knee playing soccer before returning to the States.

Hatch, who has competed with freshman Jarrett Lee for the starting role, is considered equally adept at running and throwing the football. Although Lee has the better arm, Hatch’s overall skills with the ball are considered superior at this point.

The heir apparent was supposed to be highly touted Ryan Perrilloux, but he was dismissed from the team in the offseason.

The Tigers are scheduled to host Appalachian State, Saturday, August 30th.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media