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8/25/2009 3:31 AM

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By Mike Kovak, Staff writer

mkovak@observer-reporter.com

Chad Hagan plans to play football for Ohio State University next fall. Hagan commited to the Buckeyes and head coach Jim Tressel during a recent trip to Columbus.

Consider the oral commitment slightly open as the Canon-McMillan High School senior wants to see what else is out there. For instance, Wisconsin is recruiting Hagan as a running back while Ohio State plans the use him at safety.

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"Ohio State knows I'm committed to them and they know I'm looking at other schools," Hagan said, moments after Monday afternoon's football practice broke. "But I plan on playing at Ohio State. I felt like that's the place where I belong. Coach Tressel, he's a top-notch guy and I loved the atmosphere."

Hagan also plans on playing for Canon-McMillan this fall. He'll find out Thursday if that's a possibility.

Hagan, a 6-2, 232-pound freakish athlete with 4.3 speed and offers from Michigan, Illinois, North Carolina State and Syracuse among others, has Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a heart disorder which can create a rapid heartbeat.

"It was something I noticed a while ago but I always thought it was normal," Hagan said. "Now that I know more about it, I feel safe with it."

The heart problem was discovered in April, as Hagan prepared to have surgery for a stress fracture in his shin. At first, he took the news well, but when one doctor said Hagan would never play sports again, it became difficult to deal with.

"When the doctor said no sports, I felt like my whole world was crashing," Hagan said. "Sports is my easy ticket. I don't have bad grades, but it's not like I have a 3.6 or something, and my mom couldn't afford four years of college."

Hagan's condition can be treated. He underwent a procedure several weeks ago and he takes two pills every morning.

He's been cleared to run and lift. Hagan can also participate in certains aspects of football practice.

"Every thing but contact," he said.

On Thursday, Hagan will see one doctor in the morning and the other in the early afternoon. At some point, Hagan - one of Canon-McMillan's top basketball players since his freshman year - believes he'll be cleared to play in 2009.

"In my mind, there's no doubt I'll be playing for Canon-Mac," Hagan said. "I feel great since I started taking the medicine. I'm ready to go."

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