Johnny Burnett, Assistant Head Coach at Hendrix College in Arkansas made a trip down to see Howe’s Tanner Hartsfield about playing football for them. A visit was scheduled with the college and the Hartsfield family. Knowing that other local players such as Levi Jones of Van Alstyne will also be going to Hendrix made the decision much easier.
“There’s no words to describe the excitement that I’m having,” said Hartsfield. “My dream was to play college football. I never really thought about how much work I was putting in.”
Hartsfield’s father John, who was a standout football player for Anna says that it was only in the last three years that he thought his son might play college football.
“About three years ago I saw the work ethic and the maturity and the muscles start to come in play.” said John Hartsfield and echoed by Tanner’s stepmother Shanna Hartsfield.
Tanner’s mother Leslie Modesitt had the same sentiments, “He’s always had a drive from a young age. Pee wee football or no matter what age – he’s gone out there and played his hardest no matter what.
The common theme that everyone talks about when it comes to Hartsfield is his work ethic. Howe Head Football Coach Zack Hudson raved about his ability to outwork other people.
“His intensity that he plays with is just one of those things you can’t replace and you can’t teach. He’s a little undersized for what he does, but he’s one of those kids that come off the field and you feel the effects of him. That’s what makes him valuable. There’s no one that we play that doesn’t respect number 70.” said Hudson.
Hudson said that Hendrix is going to get a player that’s not going to stop.
“The more you look at college athletes and even pro athletes, some of those undersized guys end up playing and playing for a long time because their motor doesn’t stop and their love for the game doesn’t stop and that’s the kind of kid they’re going to get.”
Hartsfield, still only 17 years old is expected to still put on weight and eventually be a bigger kid.
“They’re going to get a diamond in the rough, that’s for sure,” said Hudson.
