Catalon ready for big 2013

Houston (Texas) Eisenhower Rivals250 running back Donald Catalon committed to the University of Texas just over a year ago. At the time he was preparing for his junior season, and held offers from SMU and Texas Tech.

The 6-foot, 200-pound back continues to receive attention from college coaches. Oklahoma State offered during his junior year and Notre Dame and Stanford both expressed an interest. He mentioned possibly taking a visit to Oklahoma State with teammate Trevion Roberts, who is currently committed to the Cowboys; however, he downplayed the significance of a possible trip and stated he remains firm in his decision to play his college football in Austin, Texas.

"I'm still feeling good with them and I'm still committed to them and everything," Catalon said. "I like the conference and everything and I like the coaches and how they coach. Coach Applewhite, when I went to the camp and they started talking to me, the way he was breaking down the plays and showing us how the plays were going to be developed and ran I liked that."

Catalon enjoyed his time at the Texas Camp on June 2, and has already established a strong connection with Offensive Coordinator Major Applewhite. He does not know when he will be able to return to Austin, but could make a visit soon.

"They want me to come up there on Sunday to one of their practices but I have to ask my dad," Catalon said.

The standout running back is currently focused in on his senior season. After a sophomore effort which saw him rush for 1,148 yards and 6 touchdowns on 165 carries, Catalon was slowed as a junior due to turf toe. Still he rushed for 1,076 yards and 7 touchdowns.

As his senior year approaches everything is looking up

"I'm working out on my footwork and speed," Catalon said. "I had surgery on my big toe, but I'm feeling good. I'm not 100-percent, but I'm close to it."

While he may not be completely back from his injury, he has big plans and high expectations.

"As a team we're trying to get to state, and for me I'm going for 2,000 yards," Catalon said.

Catalon earned second-team all-district honors as a junior and was named district all purpose player of the year as a sophomore.