2026 Getting to know Gerret Hatfield from Cincinnati Eagle and Anderson University commit

 

Name: Gerret Hatfield

Positions played: Linebacker/right tackle.

Class: 2026

Height & Weight: H: 5'8" W: 190 lb

Jersey Numbers: 15 and 60

Awards won or earned: two times All-conference and all-division linebacker, NHFA As an all-star player and Gatlinburg all-American, I was the team's defensive player of the year; I broke the team record in tackles at 165 tackles; I was 7th in the state for total tackles.

College-Anderson University, Indiana

HUDL LINK: https://www.hudl.com/profile/8422468/Gerret-Hatfield

Other sports played: baseball and basketball

Please post something from last season that sticks out to you. It can be from a game, practice, or something funny on the bus ride to or from the game. Any moment that sticks out to you.

The thing that stuck out to me last season was being told I was going to play right tackle for the season.

What was the best part of playing for Coach Goodpastor?

The best part about playing for Goodpaster was we lost in the playoffs my freshman year, and one of our players got baptized that week. He didn't care that we lost; he said the more important thing was that he got baptized, so no matter what happened, the coach loved us and wanted the best for us outside of football.

Did you feel any added pressure with your father on the coaching staff? Explain

I never felt pressure with my dad as a coach; he always played the best player.

Would you share with the readers some of the schools that recruited you?

I had two schools recruiting me: the University of Pikeville and Anderson University.

What made you choose Anderson University?

I chose Anderson because they were the only school that offered me a place, and they had the major I wanted.

I have read on social media that the Cincinnati Eagles are having a signing day event, but I have not seen your name mentioned in that. Can you share with the readers why this is?

Yes, they didn't have me included for the signing day because of disagreements with my coaches and Father, who I stayed behind with, over how they were treating people and my friends, like telling my friend he couldn't practice. They put all the seniors in the back of our end-of-year book and put the board members on the first page. During the season, it felt more about them and the parents and not what we wanted as players; they didn't like that we wanted senior night against the C4 Lions. I could keep going about this lol. It is all true; they excluded me from the signing day and its quote.

"It is unfortunate, but due to the events of this year and those on your guest list, separate signing days will be necessary. The Williams family previously requested a separate signing day for Ben, and the board agrees that this is necessary. The signing day on May 29th is exclusively for Ben Williams and has been planned and organized by Lisa Williams and supporters."

These people knew I was playing for Anderson, yet they are keeping me excluded, giving me a separate day and not including me with my friend. They talk about how family is important, yet after what this program did to me after playing for the team for 7 years and my family being a part of the program for 15 years, it's sad and disappointing.

What was the best part of playing for the Cincinnati Eagles?

The best part of playing for Landmark was all the opportunities I had playing in Cowboys Stadium and making lifelong friendships with colleagues.

What was the toughest part of playing for the Eagles?

The toughest part of playing with the eagles was all the different players joining our team from different schools with different skills, and you don't know if you will play or not, so being ready like a senior as a freshman was the toughest part.

During your high school career, who was the best player that you faced in a game, and what was the team he was on?

The toughest player I played against was Zeke from the Columbus Crusaders.

What was it like playing at AT&T Stadium in Texas?

Playing at the AT&T Stadium was a unique experience, but trying to stay focused on the game even in that amazing place and the different teams we faced there was challenging.

You also played at Lucas Stadium in Indiana and at Indiana Wesleyan University. Can you share with the readers how special it was getting to play in the special venues that most football players from Ohio will never play in?

Playing at Lucas Oil Stadium and Indiana Wesleyan University—playing at these places is very unique and fun, and knowing no high schooler or high school would play at these places if they were lucky and getting to say in the future, "Hey, I played there in high school."

Before your college career starts, what are you doing to improve your game?

What I am doing is taking advantage of the opportunities from Anderson with the training program they provided us to prepare us for college football.

Now that your high school career is over, how would you sum up the experience?

My high school experience was amazing. I wouldn't trade it for anything: the highs and lows, all the friends I made, and all my opportunities. And for anyone in high school, take advantage of the time you have with family and friends and college. I will tell you young guys reading, you have so much time left; enjoy it.

What is your go-to snack?

Cool Ranch Doritos are.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Tyler, Tony, and Tim Tebow.

What scares you?

Heights.