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If we had theme weeks here at LaxLessons.com/blog, this week’s theme would undoubtedly be high school football stars turning to lacrosse for their collegiate futures.

It’s become a familiar scenario, but especially so this week.

Continuing right now.

Hunter Hazen is from Texas.

So that means you shouldn’t have to ask whether or not he plays football.

The standout from Maine-Endwell High School in upstate New York sure does.

But earlier this week, as first reported at as Twitter.com/Joe_Lombardi, he too has opted to play lax at the next level. He’ll do it at the University of Massachusetts.

The 5-foot-11, 202-pound defenseman was a first-team All-Section 4 selection this past season. In two varsity seasons, during which time Maine-Endwell has gone 29-9, he has 156 groundballs and 99 forced turnovers to go along with six goals and seven assists.

A strong and physical player, Hazen also has good speed and agility.

A member of the CNY Road Hawks Club team, Hazen was an all-star this summer at MVP, Peak 200 and the Loyola Shootout.

Now, here’s a Q&A with Hunter on his commitment.

What were the main factors in your decision?
The style and aggressiveness at which the Minutemen play, I have family surrounding the beautiful campus, the university offers many prestigious programs that include business and a nursing (which I am interested in).

What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I visited Binghamton, Princeton, Villanova and obviously the University of Massachusetts, but I did highly consider all of these schools.

What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My strengths as a player would probably be my speed, agility, and well, strength. My style of play would definitely be quite upbeat. I press out on  my attackman, push the clears when I have the opportunity which would eventually create a fast break, am all over groundballs, and love sliding.

What area of your game do you need to work on?
Honestly, I need to work on all aspects of my game if I’m going to be successful at the collegiate level. Also,  just because I committed does not mean I will not be in the gym day in and day out, going on runs, and hitting the wall (wall ball).

How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
I was introduced to lacrosse when I lived in Texas because my dad (Tim Hazen) was the head coach of a brand-new varsity program, but I did not start playing till I moved to New York and became good friends with an attackman in fourth grade.

Being from Texas, of course I play football. I wrestled this past year but I think that I’ll just focus my winter coming up on getting prepared for the spring season. Unfortunately, I did play soccer and baseball at some point but that was a long time ago.

What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I play on the CNY Roadhawks club team, and also the Blackhawks, an older team that only accepts committed Roadhawks.

Any final thoughts?
I would like to thank my mother and father for the constant support and efforts to push me on and off the field. Also my brother, for he is a huge role model in my life.