Whiz Kid

Originally Published: May 23, 2010 10:42 PM CDT

Steve McGehee
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

EDMOND, Oklahoma -- The state of Oklahoma has produced plenty of football talent with the likes of Troy Aikman, Sam Bradford and the legendary Jim Thorpe. Edmond's Jack Hatzfeld has a long way to go to be included in that company, but he is headed down the right path.

The 12-year-old has been blessed with football skills at the quarterback position. The sixth grader at Summit Middle School is one of two Oklahomans making the trip to California on Memorial Day weekend. Hatzfeld has earned the right as a finalist in Steve Clarkson's Dreammaker Tour in Santa Barbara.

Hatzfeld has already passed the test in Dallas (regionals) and Houston (semifinals) to be among 30 junior high school finalists in California. The strong-armed talent will be the youngest player at the national competition.

The recruiting watch is starting at a younger age in the 2000's and Hatzfeld's abilities are already on college football's radar. When Hatzfeld competes in California, he will be on the watch list for the University of Texas.

Oklahoma State is already showing interest as well. Hatzfeld and his family plan to visit Stillwater when he returns from California and take a campus tour.

Oklahoma State just happens to be Hatzfeld's dream school.

Hatzfeld's travels could take him further west this summer. A trip to Hawaii awaits if he finishes in the top three at the quarterback skills session in California.