MIAMI GARDENS – A.J. Bates had the time of his life at the fourth annual Orange Bowl Showcase yesterday (Feb. 29).
The senior running back/linebacker performed in several drills, including one specifically for his positions. He was in a jovial mood when asked about how the showcase turned out for him.
“It was an opportunity unlike others,” Bates said. “There were almost 40 colleges present watching players who otherwise might not have had the chance to be recognized at all. The competition was incredible and the intensity was very high. Overall it was an amazing experience and a blessing to those present.”
Partly due to this weekend’s big showcase, which was held at St. Thomas University and sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Florida, Bates has now seen his recruiting process heat up. He has 12 offers from Ave Maria, St. Thomas, Greenville, Webber, Clarke, LaGrange College, Concordia, Judson, Ripon, Valley State, McPherson, and Culver-Stockton.
Bates revealed his top three: Ave Maria, St. Thomas, and Greenville. Of these three, it looks as if Ave Maria is in good position to win his services.
“It’s a program that wants to win,” Bates said. “They only recruit players that have a winning attitude. They want players that can handle business in the classroom and on the field. The atmosphere is also incredible. I can see myself developing here.”
Bates made it very clear that he plans to make his final decision sometime this month.
It’s anybody’s guess.
“This list is subject to change,” Bates said.
Reflecting back on his high school football journey, the 5-foot-8, 210-pound two-way player had some memorable moments. One of them happened last month, when he suited up for the Tiki Bowl in Hawaii.
Bates took part in the Hawaii experience from Jan. 1-6. The Tiki Bowl was played on Jan. 5, where he played two total games with all the participants there.
In one Tiki Bowl game, Bates had 12 tackles at linebacker. And in the other one, he caught a 10-yard reception at running back.
“The Tiki Bowl was a phenomenal experience,” Bates said. “I stayed in Honolulu for about a week sightseeing, practicing and enjoying their culture. Players were nominated from all over the country to play in the Hawaii Stadium. I was blessed to play where previous NFL Pro Bowls have been held.”
All of this was made possible due to the stellar high school football career Bates had at Somerset Academy Canyons. The past two seasons in particular have elevated him in more ways than one.
In his junior season, Bates had 80+ tackles and two interceptions at linebacker, while adding 800+ rushing yards and at least seven rushing scores at Somerset Canyons.
For Bates’ senior season, he was limited to four games. He finished this past year with 25+ tackles on defense, and with 550+ all-purpose yards and four touchdowns on offense.
“My overall experience with Somerset is that I’ve learned a lot and had a chance to really grow up,” said Bates, who was placed in the Top 5 of our RB/LB positional rankings to end the season. “I’m thankful to be able to come here and do the things I was capable of like being an all-A student and a Top 50 player in Palm Beach County. All glory to God.”
