Cranking

you should have checked to see if the starter solenoid was getting power when you hit the key when you had it out , isolate the big + cable when you do this so it doesn't arc on a ground , could be a relay if the car has one , make sure the batt. terminals are clean and tight , all elec. connections should be that way , and the batt. is charged

Im assuming it is because I can only crank my car from the starter under the hood by tapping the starter with a metal object and have someone turn the ignition on at the same time ion know what else could be wrong

if it's a new starter then I'd say it's a bad connection or junk starter