Hoyt Getting Serious Looks
By Jay Pace

Lincoln’s trio, led by senior quarterback T.J Hoyt, is destined for big things in 2008 and beyond.

Lincoln—With the ink still fresh on National Letters of Intent from the top prospects in the class of 2008, coaches, players, recruitniks and passionate fan bases begin turning their attention towards the state’s top players and National Signing Day 2009.

While it’s hard to argue the 2009 class will be anywhere close to it’s predecessor in terms of depth, fanfare and overall skill—this much is certain, the recruiting trail leading to Lincoln High School will definitely be well-traveled.

Already one of the most sought after prospects in the state for the class of 2009, T.J. Hoyt, Lincoln’s versatile, all-purpose quarterback, looks to capitalize on a sparkling junior season where he amassed 2000+ yards of offense and more than 20 touchdowns.  After playing sparingly on special teams as an eighth grader Hoyt burst onto the scene in a big-way as a freshman in 2005, starting at wide receiver for the Golden Bears on the varsity level.

“My freshman year was a learning experience,” remembers Hoyt of the Bears one-win season.  “It really helped me out a lot, the chance to play early with the big boys.”

Athletic, talented and fast, Hoyt moved to quarterback as a sophomore and for the most part has remained there ever since.  Last season Hoyt played a crucial role in a Golden Bears gridiron renaissance where they finished runner-up in rugged Class 3A Region 5, eventually dropping a turnover marred 28-14 decision to eventual state runner-up Clay County in the fourth round of the playoffs, finishing 10-3 on the season.

“This past year we really stepped it up,” says Hoyt.  “We have a good squad coming back.  This is the best squad Lincoln’s had in a long, long time.”

It’s hard to argue with the versatile senior, who is trying to take it to the next level.  And judging by the early returns it looks like he’ll get that chance too.

A good student who has already passed the exit exam, Hoyt should have little trouble wading academically through the NCAA clearinghouse.  Listed as an athlete by Rivals.com, Hoyt is already on the radar of several in-state programs, notably Alabama, Auburn and UAB.

A rangy athlete at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, with 4.5 forty speed is drawing considerable interest from Alabama right now according to BamaOnline.com, the school’s official team site on the Rivals.com network. 

Hoyt attended Alabama’s elite junior day last month and has accepted an invitation to do so again later this month.

Says Hoyt: “It’s pretty cool.  I’ve been getting a lot of letters from a few schools like Mississippi State and UAB [among others],” adding “Alabama has really recruited me hard.”

Expect that list, as well as, the interest from several Division I suitors to grow as Hoyt’s whirlwind tour of combines and visits increase.

This past weekend Hoyt joined teammates Tiger Williams, a senior RB, and DJ Howard, a junior all-purpose threat, at the prestigious Nike combine in Atlanta where many of the southeast’s finest upperclassmen showcase their skills in front of a host of college scouts, coaches and recruiting guru’s.

“When we had those losing seasons nobody was really getting any recognition,” says Williams.  “But when you go out there and show ‘Hey, we’ve got some athletes out here that are good enough to play on the next level [and winning ballgames] people start recognizing you and your school.’

Howard, Hoyt and Williams intend to make the most of their opportunities.  “It’s just about representing our school, ourselves and our family,” says Williams.

While Hoyt has gotten the lion’s share of attention from the next level, Williams and Howard are getting some hard looks as well, and for good reason.

Williams, while a bit undersized, could be the quickest of the three.  Meanwhile Howard seems destined for greatness.  The youngest of the three, Howard is predicted to be a playmaker on the next level.  Last season he rushed for 1,463 yards, including a 202 yard performance against Good Hope in the playoffs and a two-touchdown showing versus Clay County in the semi-final round.