Alabama CB picks up first offer
Prattville (Ala.) High s a hotbed for D-I prospects each year. In addition to featuring two of the state's top class of 2007 prospects in defensive lineman Nick Gentry and quarterback Larry Smith, the Lions also feature a talented cornerback in Ricardo Bates who just picked up his first scholarship offer.
The University of Houston offered the 5-foot-11, 170-pounder.
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"It's great to get that first offer," Bates said. "It feels good that someone would recognize my talent and want me to play for their school."
Bates has never visited Houston but plans to check out the Conference USA program at a later date.
Bates is also being recruited by several other schools including Memphis, Alabama, Georgia Tech, Auburn and Vanderbilt. He currently lists his top three as Alabama, Georgia Tech and Auburn.
It's no surprise that Bates grew up an Alabama fan with a number of his teammates already in Tuscaloosa. He recently heard from Alabama assistant coach Chris Ball.
"Coach Ball told me to come up to their camp on June 10," said Bates. "He said I would probably get an offer if I perform like I should. I really like the defense at Alabama. It's the same scheme we run at Prattville."
Bates also plans to camp at Auburn, Georgia Tech and Memphis this summer.
Bates, who runs a 4.5 40-yard dash, tallied 65 tackles, one sack and two interceptions as a junior.