Ray Hamilton is one of the better tight end prospects for the state of Ohio in 2011, if not the nation. It’s not an accolade he takes lightly, and so when he is on the field, he shows up ready to play.
“On the field I like to be physical, first off,” Hamilton told Scout.com. “I also like to be a leader out there, and lead by example. Also, take the young guys on the field and coach them up if they’re having problems. When it comes to me, personally, if I can get the ball in my hands, if the quarterback is able to do that, I’m going to make a play for him. If not, then I’ll just block and take care of my responsibilities on that play.”
Part of that determination allowed him to get back on the field in his junior campaign, even after suffering through a potentially devastating knee injury. But with proper care and motivation, Hamilton found his way back onto the field for the second half of his teams season.
“I had a knee injury for the first half. I had a torn meniscus, and I had it scoped. It’s nothing long term and I told all the recruiters that and I got it done the right way and got back on the field for 6 games. I had 19 catches for 280 yards and a touchdown in those 6 games.”
The knee injury certainly didn’t scare off any recruiters or major college programs, as Hamilton already boasts an impressive early list. To date, his offer sheet holds checkmarks from the likes of Akron, Colorado, Pittsburgh and West Virginia.
“As far as the offers, Pitt actually came first, because I went to their camp this summer and they liked what they saw. It was definitely exciting. It was kind of hard for my dad to swallow, because he did play at West Virginia. First one coming from the rival was kind of funny, though it’s always good to get the first offer. Then I talked to West Virginia and they said they were going to offer, and they did, and it was really exciting because both of my parents went to West Virginia. Then Colorado hadn’t even talked to me, and I was in the office and my coach said ‘Hey, you got an offer from Colorado.’ So I was more than excited with that, and I’ve been following them, and I like how they use their tight ends. They’re definitely a tight end oriented team. And Akron was my last one, and any offer is a good offer. I’m looking forward to more coming in the future.”
While those schools have already shown their interest in the Buckeye State prospect, several other heavy hitters are lined up right behind them, waiting to make a play on Hamilton as soon as they receive his shortened junior season film.
“I’ve been getting mail from a lot of schools, and it’s kind of hard to keep up with. As far as certain schools, I went down to Alabama this summer and worked out there for a day and I definitely liked it down there. Me and my dad went and sat down in Coach Saban’s office, and they told us they were going to make the offer once they got my tape from my junior season. I just got my tape out last week to about 25-30 schools. Alabama, LSU, Florida, Ohio State. I went to a game at Michigan, West Virginia, and at Pitt. UCLA, Nebraska, just schools in every conference are all over the place. It’s an open field, and I’m looking forward to the process.”
Although he is looking forward to the process, there is no doubt who is favorite team growing up was. His father, Tom Hamilton, who played for the Mountaineers, made no bones about who Ray would grow up to be a fan of, and that’s exactly what West Virginia became.
“That’s exactly what they were. My dad went there, and it was kind of one of those things, when they’d buy me a college hoodie it was always West Virginia. We’d go to games once a year. Just going to other schools though over the summer made me realize it is special everywhere. It won’t factor into my decision at all, I’m going to thoroughly visit other schools and take it from there.”
Part of the reason he already hasn’t pledged to the Mountaineers is the national interest he’s already garnered. While West Virginia will probably always remain on his mind, the sheer number of schools that has come after Ray is what has everyone on a level playing field right now.
“Definitely. It’s an awesome thing, just seeing all these guys so interested in me, it’s just a big thing for me. I’m going to have a lot of time to check out a lot of schools, and everyone is on a level playing field.”
In the meantime, Hamilton will shift gears into his teams basketball season, and spend more time covering the bases of his recruitment, as well as getting an opportunity to go up against some of the nations best junior prospects.
“A lot of basketball right now. As far as combines and stuff, my basketball team is going down to Orlando late this December and I got calls from the guys in the Under Armor combine, exactly where it will be, so I think I’m going to head down to that. I’d like to go to that and compete against the best. I’ve gotten some stuff from the Army game too, so I’ll definitely check out the combine dates for that.”
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