Collegiate sports are becoming more and more of a business, filled with cold-hearted decisions. Football, especially, seems to be entering a world where loyalty is not always the norm.
That idea does not apply to Marist freshman safety Chase Hatton, who keeps choosing Marist.
“The FBS level is scary because it’s like, dude, they just cut people. They just cut people no matter what,” said Hatton.
At the FCS level, things are a little warmer. Hatton has chosen Marist twice now over other offers, which he says is a testament to everything Marist has to offer. Instead of worrying every day, Hatton can sit comfortably in his coach’s office to harness his development alongside having non-football-related conversations. He is also relatively unaffected by the rise of NIL because he values football and his connection with the coaching staff more.
“Money, to me, isn’t everything… this is worth more than getting school paid for or getting $30,000 in NIL,” said Hatton.
Hatton prefers being developed rather than bought, a testament to his character that was shaped at Bayard Rustin High School in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Running back, safety, point guard, Hatton did it all at Bayard Rustin, which helped him understand how to win big games and stay mentally focused in close ones.
During his junior year, he played a team called Chester, which he referred to as the hardest game he has ever played in. Playing both ways took a toll, but it was the game that he said helped him break through into the athlete he is today. During that game, he began to bounce right back up following tough plays, unfazed and ready for the next — that is the exact mindset coaches want in a safety.
“The rough games have definitely built me into the person I am now,” said Hatton.
Heading into his senior year after a deep playoff run the year before, Hatton and his teammates felt they were destined for greatness.
“There were 35 seniors on that team… we were all best friends. Like, we’d hang out outside of football,” said Hatton. “We were like, if we don’t win, this is embarrassing.”
After a 34-2 win that advanced Bayard Rustin deeper into the playoffs than the team had ever been, they matched up with Roman Catholic.
They lost.
The loss to Roman Catholic marked the end of an era, thrusting Hatton from a locker room of 35 brothers into the world of college recruiting. He began hunting for that same sense of chemistry at the next level, which he initially did not expect to find at Marist.
“I was going to Sacred Heart because they had already offered me, and my best friend goes there,” said Hatton.
Hatton and his family ended up stopping in at Marist on the way home from a separate trip, and he began to see his future.
“Just having the relationships with those coaches, they made me feel wanted, they showed me that they truly wanted me more than everywhere else,” Hatton said. “And then obviously the atmosphere, the school helps.”
Hatton earned playing time right out of the gate for the Red Foxes. Not only did he get playing time in his first game, but he finished it with an interception as well as a fumble recovery in what became his favorite memory of the season.
“That Friday night game was just sick,” he said. “It was the first time I’ve played a game there, and we won big… being able to celebrate with everyone was awesome.”
Hatton’s end goal is the NFL. He had a spectacular freshman season, including being named PFL Defensive Freshman of the Year, Phil Steele Freshman All-American, PFL Defensive Second Team and finalist for the Jerry Rice Award.
With those accolades backing him, he decided to enter the transfer portal. But, after a month, he decided to return to Marist because of how much he values the accessibility of the coaching staff and his own development. He can walk into head coach Mike Willis’ office anytime, and he views Marist as the best path to the NFL, even over FBS schools.
Hatton is adamant about his support system, calling it the “best support system in the world.” It includes his parents, his coaches and his relationship with God.
His high school coaches were high on him outside the season but kept him grounded during the season while his parents are always in his corner — they traveled to every single game this season.
“Just having that love and support with them has helped tremendously,” said Hatton.
Hatton’s faith is also a big asset to his mentality. He lives by the words “All glory to Jesus Christ” which also plays a role in his decision-making. He also reflects on 1 Peter 4:8, which emphasizes loving others deeply.
The upcoming season is still months away, but until then, Hatton chose to stay exactly where he is right now. He believes Marist will win the league next year because the team chemistry is so strong. There is not one player on the team that he dislikes in the home he has found in the complicated landscape of collegiate football.
Edited by Tommy Jacobellis, Mike Schiavone and Max Rosen
Graphic by Quinn DiFiore
Photos from Marist Athletics
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