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The Washington State coaching staff has once again exercised their
newfound presence in Big-12 country, offering a speedy and explosive
wide receiver from the Sooner State.  Cameron Batson was
hearing from several schools but he had yet to snag that first
scholarship offer until Wednesday when he got a call from offensive
line coach Clay McGuire.



"It felt good to get an offer from Washington State," Batson said of
his first scholarship offer.  "The offense that they run, the fact
that they throw the ball a lot, I'd really like to be in that type of
system so that I can catch the ball a lot."



The Oklahoma City (Okla.) Millwood product was offered by Washington
State as an inside wide receiver but he has the potential to play
several positions at the next level.



As a junior, the 5-9, 165-pound speedster hauled in 26 catches for 598
yards and six touchdowns.  His prowess on the football field
didn't stop as a pass catcher, though, as Batson rushed for 347 yards
and four touchdowns while also spending some time at quarterback.



Batson is being recruited at several positions, including cornerback
where he ranked among the top defensive backs in Oklahoma with nine
interceptions last season.



"Some schools have been looking at me as a defensive back, some have
looked at me as an athlete but most schools have been looking at me as
a wide receiver because of my ability to make things happen with the
ball in my hands." Batson said.



In addition to Washington State, Batson has been hearing from Tulsa and
Ohio and plans on attending Oklahoma State's Junior Day event next
month.



With his pass catching ability and his dynamic play-making ability,
Batson projects as an inside receiver.  After a lengthy
conversation with inside wide receivers coach David Yost on Thursday
afternoon, Batson had a good idea of what type of player he could
become within Mike Leach's offense.



"I feel like I would do very well in an Air Raid type offense because
when I get in the open field I think that I could be one of the most
dangerous players in the nation if I continue to work hard," Batson
said.  "I love that type of offense."



Whereas his accomplishments on the gridiron are undeniable, Batson
epitomizes what it means to be a student-athlete off the field. 
The high standards and values that he holds himself to in the classroom
will hold true when Batson is deciding where he will begin the next
chapter of his football career.



"I want to go to a school with good academics because I'm very, very
high on getting my education," Batson said.  "I have a 4.2 grade
point average, I have a 22 on my ACT and I am number one in my class.



"I want to go to a school with good academics because I'm very, very
high on getting my education.  I'm really looking for a school
with good academics, but I'm also looking for a system I'd feel
comfortable in, feeling good with the coaches and players, and
potentially playing earlier rather than later."



Batson is working on getting a visit to Pullman set up in the coming
weeks and mentioned that despite the distance, Washington State is
definitely a place where Batson could see himself catching footballs
next season.



"Distance won't be that much of a factor," Batson said.  "Once I
get out to a school I think I would be cool with everything so I don't
think it would be that big of a deal."



Prior to offering Batson, the Washington State staff had only looked at
the game tape his coaches sent to the Cougars' coaching staff. 
So, what set's Batson apart from the rest?



"My strengths start with my smarts, I know what move I'm going to make
beforehand and can anticipate how the defense is going to play on a
particular play based on how much film I watch," Batson said.  "I
have great speed and I'm able to get away from people.



"Once I make a cut I'm pretty much gone and it's a done deal.  I
might be a small guy in stature but I have very good strength."





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