Bama commit weighs in on season

Scott Deaton had a standout season for Birmingham (Ala.) Oak Mountain, despite his team’s 4-6 record. The Alabama pledge said that some things about his senior season will help him in his career.

“Our season was a little rough, but it was our coach’s first year, and we’re going to be a good program,” Deaton said. “We did a lot more running than passing, so it was a big change for me. It was a big adjustment, but it was good to get me some experience run blocking for the future. I think overall I did a pretty good job.”

After announcing that he was solid in his decision, Deaton said coaches from other teams stopped calling him. That didn’t change his interaction with Alabama, however.

“I talk to Coach Harbison [Wide receivers coach Charlie] and Coach Connelly [Offensive line coach Bob] a lot,” he said. “I’m real comfortable with them and with the school. My Dad, Ken Deaton, played center there from 1967-1971, and he was an influence on me.”

While Deaton is following his father’s footsteps, there were some other shoes in his family that he could have filled.

“My brother, Samuel Deaton played at the Air Force Academy,” Deaton said. “We’re pretty different, though, and I never really thought about Air Force. I think my grades would have kept me out of that.”

Now, with his season complete, Deaton says that he’s looking to the future, and hoping he can make a difference wherever he ends up on the line.

“I’m pretty aggressive, and I want to put on more weight, maybe 20 pounds, by next fall,” he said. “I’m still pretty light for a college lineman, but I have pretty good feet so more weight should hurt me. I’ll probably play center or guard in college because I’m a little short [6-foot-4.5] for a tackle.”