USM reels in another receiver

The future of the Southern Miss program is looking strong at the wide receiver position. Already the class of 2011 had two solid receiver prospects committed in Sammie Coates and Cooper Harrington. On Thursday, the Golden Eagles picked up a third wide receiver in Eads (Tenn.) Briarcrest Christian wideout, Tray Becton-Martin.

"I just committed to Southern Miss," Becton-Martin said on Wednesday afternoon.

The 5-foot-10, 160-pounder has been impressive all spring and offseason in camps beginning with a strong performance at the U.S. Army All-American Combine. Another recent strong performance at USM's camp earned Becton-Martin an offer and a commitment soon followed.

"These past few weeks, me and Coach Farrar were talking and he had wanted to offer me," said the receiver. "The past few weeks, we had built a great relationship and then after the camp, they offered me and I was feeling great about it. I was trying to figure out who I liked and it was between Memphis and Southern Miss and that was the school that I felt I could make an impact at the most. So that's why I chose Southern Miss."

Though the camp that Becton-Martin attended was actually held just outside of Memphis at Olive Branch High School, he had been to the campus before for a visit and for a game. He's loved what he's seen.

"I like the atmosphere and the town," he said. "It's a college town. It's not real big and not real small. Football is a big deal at Southern Miss and I think I will be a great fit in that offense. I'll be playing slot and the Wildcat some. That's what we've been talking about. I think they're going to give me the ball a lot."

The timing of the decision came because Becton-Martin didn't want to miss his window to join the Southern Miss family.

"I've been praying about it a lot," he said. "I've been talking it over with my parents and talking it over with coaches and they had already had two receivers taken and they were only taking one more so I didn't want my spot to get taken so I went ahead and got it over with so I can focus on my upcoming season."

With the decision behind him, Becton-Martin is feeling relieved.

"It was a big relief and I'm glad it's over," he said. "I don't want to say I was feeling pressure but I was stressed about it, thinking about where I'm going to college next year so I'm glad it's over with and I think they liked me the most of anybody."