Recruiting, Prospects, and Hype: The Story of Kevin Hart

“1st DI player to come out of that high school? He must be a superstar at the school.” … “I think this qualifies as a KABOOM.” … “Yes, I have seen him play. He’s pretty good. Has college size, good skills. Good addition for Cal.” … “Sounds like a great young man with size and attitude!” … “I think Kevin Hart will be one hell of a sleeper recruit for Cal.” –quotes from The Bear Insider.com

So who is the absolutely fabulous high school recruit signing with Cal? Kevin Hart. You know, the 6-5, 300 pound offensive lineman from Fernley High School in Fernley, NV.

Where? OK, it’s a small town about an hour outside of Reno, NV.

Now that you know where he’s from, just who is Kevin Hart?

He’s a young man who dreamed of playing Division I college football, like so many good high school players across the country. On the first day letters of intent could be submitted to universities, Hart scheduled a press conference in the gymnasium on the Fernley HS campus.

It was to be a celebration never before seen in the small town. The press turned out in full force, bleachers were packed with fellow Fernley HS students, and excitement filled the air.

With a backdrop of hand-painted congratulatory banners, Hart seated himself at a table set up just for this auspicious occasion. He sat down in front of two hats representing the universities competing for his “services”. Sensing the moment for an announcement of Hart’s decision was near, the crowd settled down.

He eyed both the Cal hat and the Oregon hat. Hart confidently reached for the Cal cap and deftly placed it on his head, then rose proudly and waved to the crowd with a style typically reserved for presidential nominees. Great stuff for the home town!

One teensy problem.

The small town was pleasantly surprised that one of there own was finally going to play big time college football. PAC-10 football no less. But there were more surprises in store for everyone following this Hollywood-script story.

The media was anxious to hear more about Hart from his new coach, Jeff Tedford, who was said to be the point man recruiting this hot prospect. Tedford’s response to the inquiries about the young offensive lineman could be summed up in one word, “WHAT?”

Tedford was aware of Kevin Hart, but didn’t recruit him. OK. What about Coach Bellotti up in Eugene? Surely the Ducks coach would have something to say. Bellotti confirmed that Hart attended a summer camp on the Oregon campus, but he wasn’t judged to be Division I talent. Size, yes. Talent, no.

Like a boomerang, the media attention returned to Fernley. At first, Hart didn’t comment. Then he told police he was duped by someone saying they could get him some buzz-style hype with major colleges. That story held up about a day before the truth finally came out.

Kevin Hart was just a kid with a dream. When it was clear that his dream wasn’t going to be reality, he simply began weaving a story that might keep his dream alive.

To some degree, Hart was convincing. His parents went along with the story. His high school coach went along with the story, never questioning why any of the schools supposedly recruiting the young man hadn’t bothered to contact him. His friends went along with the story. The school administration went along with the story. The student body went along with the story. “Expert” bloggers went along with the story. Heck, the bloggers even embellished the situation.

That’s all this situation ever was...a story.

Reality check folks: Too many people were caught up in the drama and hype of college football recruiting.

Keep in mind, college football is an arena where a game is spotlighted for the enjoyment and entertainment of fans. That’s all it is, regardless of what some might suggest. First and foremost, it’s just a game. A very good game to follow, but seriously, it’s just a game.

Clearly college football has changed Kevin Hart’s life. Because he was caught up in living his dream, Kevin Hart has to do some major damage control on the direction his life has swerved. Thank goodness he’s just 18 and will have plenty of time to straighten things out, repair relationships, and make amends.

Lesson learned?

–WSU Sports Blog exclusive