The Black Knights staff continues to work hard to put the final touches on the 2011 recruiting class and their latest addition is Athlete Derek Hasanoglu.

After his official visit to Army on the 9th of this month, Hasanoglu took a few days to assess the opportunity with the Black Knights versus a preferred walk-on with the Wildcats of Northwestern.

In the end, Hasanoglu gave his pledge to become a Black Knight.

"I verbally committed yesterday to Army … to Coach Ross," shares the 6-foot-3, 183 pound prospect.

"But it was the stability with Army and the Army staff made me feel like that really wanted me when I was on the visit. I felt like I could potentially help out on the field faster at Army."

"They are both great schools academically, but it the prestige that can't be match when you talk about West Point. There were too many things to pass up not to attend West Point."

Hasanoglu, who is in the middle of Big Ten country shared that he was pleasantly surprised at Army top of the line football facilities.

"Besides all that comes with the school, the football facilities are just amazing," he declared.

"I went there and didn't know anything about their facilities but when we got there I was taken back. I have been to Ohio State and Michigan and Army's facilities stand up against both easily."

So where does Hasanoglu project within the Black Knights system?

"The group I'm being recruited as is big back that consist of quarterback, wide receiver and safety," he states. "Coach Ross told me that I will try out at quarterback first and Coach Ellerson will make a decision to see if I have it or not."

"But since Steelman has started since a freshman, I will probably start out at wide receiver. When I had my assistance coach meeting and met with the wide receiver coach and we went through some plays and stuff."

In high school, Hasanoglu ran an option that is very similar to the system run by the Black Knights. This past season he registered 15 touchdowns on the ground and rushed for approximately 1,877 yards with 550 yards in the air.

Hasanoglu's strength is in his legs and will need to improve in the passing area in order to effectively compete at quarterback. However, he is athletic enough that he could easily transition into wide receiver or safety for the Black Knights.


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