Meet new OL transfer Lawrence Hattar, a mauling road grader and 'perfect fit' for Michigan

Michigan landed a surprise commitment out of the transfer portal this week when Ferris State offensive lineman Lawrence Hattar announced his decision.

Hattar, who has one year of eligibility remaining, is a local product who starred at Livonia (Mich.) Churchill. Hattar earned all-state honors as a senior and was one of the best in-state offensive linemen in the 2021 recruiting class.

“He’s one of those kids that every coach wants, but we rarely get,” said Churchill head coach Allen Feigel. “He’s a quiet, unassuming, blue collar, tough kid. He’s the total package. He has high character and is hard working. He grew so much in high school physically. He kept having to get used to his body. When I tell you he’s 300-plus pounds and doesn’t have any fat on him, I mean it. He’s always in the weight room.”

Always may be an understatement.

Hattar, who stands at 6-foot-4, 315 pounds, was always a big kid. So big, in fact, that he wasn’t allowed to play in actual games back in little league. Still, Hattar always practiced and showed a tremendous work ethic from a young age.

That still continues today. Whether it’s weekends in the offseasons or holidays back home, Hattar is constantly back in the Churchill weight room working. As Feigel put it, it’s like he never left.

“A couple of times, I had to say ‘go home and take a shower and go eat,’” Feigel said with a laugh. “He would never leave. He’s that type of guy. When he was here, he was always watching film and constantly asking questions.”

Hattar was also a force in the trenches. A dominant run blocker, Hattar’s high school film was full of physical blocking and pancakes. But he didn’t exactly have FBS schools knocking at his door.

Hattar lacked athleticism and was a bit of a late bloomer. Even FCS schools had some unwarranted concerns. It wasn’t until late October of his senior year that Hattar really caught the attention of Ferris State, where Feigel happened to play along the offensive line.

In a game against state powerhouse Belleville (Mich.) High, Hattar was matched up against former five-star defensive lineman Damon Payne, who, coincidentally, transferred from Alabama to Michigan this winter. The future teammates battled it out, with Hattar winning his fair share of reps.

“That’s the game that put Lawrence on the map,” Feigel said. “Those two had a really good game against each other. Lawrence had no offers and wanted to go after him. You could tell they were both alphas. Lawrence had a really good showing, and that got him noticed. That was a coming out party for him.”

Ferris State offered soon after, and the rest is history.

During his time in Big Rapids, Hattar helped lead Ferris State to three Division II national championships and earned American Football Coaches Association first team All-American honors.

“(Ferris State head coach) Tony Annese is one of the best at developing guys in college and for the next level,” Feigel said. “He thrived up there. His natural inclination is to be a student of the game. He’s good at handling the truth and improving his deficiencies. Sam Parker, the offensive line coach, is one of the best up and comers. He does some out-of-the-box things, which is good for offensive linemen.

“Lawrence really focused on his athleticism. He knew he could run people over and stay sticky on his blocks. Being out in the open field when you’re pulling, which Michigan does a lot of, it’s important for him to keep working on that athleticism. He’s come a really long way.”

Now, Hattar is taking his talents to Michigan.

The Wolverines have a need for help in the interior of the offensive line, and Hattar was recruited to compete for a starting job at guard. The jump from Division II football to the winningest program of all-time in the FBS appears significant on paper.

However, Feigel believes Hattar will make the necessary adjustments and prove himself in Ann Arbor.

“There is going to be an adjustment period,” Feigel said. “But when you have the resources that Michigan has, that can lessen the learning curve. I don’t think the gap is as large as people think. Iron sharpens iron. That will help him when he gets into camp. In my experience, football is football. Put your hand down and play.”

Hattar will do just that.

His tireless approach to the game, willingness to compete and physical style are big reasons Michigan believes Hattar can make the jump in competition with success.   

“He’s going to fit right in at Michigan,” Feigel said. “The style they played at Ferris was ‘we’re going to own the trenches and beat our rivals.’ Lawrence was a product of that. As of right now, it’s pretty clear what Coach Moore wants to do at Michigan — run the ball. Maybe that changes with Bryce Underwood. But right now, Lawrence fits right in. He’s going to compete for a starting spot. There is no doubt about it.

“Michigan is getting someone who is going to fit in and do their job — whatever it is. He won’t complain. He’s a perfect fit. He’s a mauler. He’s a road grader. Their team motto is ‘smash.’ That’s one word I would appropriately assign to him.”