Minnesota Football Recruiting: WR Commit Rashod Bateman Analysis

(*Editor's note...What the heck does "Commitment to Eight" mean? It is our new recurring title for recruit commitments referencing a commitment to work towards the Gopher's Eighth National Championship.)

Minnesota gave an unexpected offer and received a quick commitment from Georgia wide receiver, Rashod Bateman. The Gopher staff, including Coach Fleck and Matt Simon were in Georgia at a satellite camp where they were able to fully evaluate Bateman. The kid showed incredible athleticism and impressed the staff enough to get an offer. He committed on the spot.

Bateman also reportedly has a basketball scholarship offer from Penn State and Virginia Tech but he is going to play football and is committed to Minnesota.

Quotables

Ryan Burns of GopherIllustrated ($cout).

"Coach Fleck told me he was very impressed me," Bateman explained. "He said I have a long way to go still, but he was very impressed and had to have me. He talked with me and my mom about the offer afterwards, and I committed as that's what we felt comfortable with. The coaches went crazy. I guess what made me want to commit on the spot was their coaching staff is just phenomenal and it's a great place to be. I'll be playing receiver at Minnesota as coach Fleck loves my hands and explosiveness."

Measurables

Height: 6’ 2"
Weight: 180 lbs.

Big 4 Ratings:

Power 5 Offers - Wake Forest

• Scout - n/a
• Rivals - 3 stars (5.6 rating)
• 247 - 3 stars (86 rating)
• ESPN - n/a

Junior year highlights:

TDG Analysis

In Two Words - if you have to remember just two things about this player...

• Fast
• Athletic

Absurd Comparisons

Watching his film, Bateman looks like a smaller version of Rashad Still. Smooth, lanky and has all of the athletic measurables. Still was an All-State basketball player in Texas while Bateman is getting looks and offers from D1 schools.

Scheme Fit

Fleck and Simon are our receiver gurus on staff and both were in attendance to see Bateman in person. They fell in love with his skill set and I’ll trust they know how he’ll fit.

Impact on Other Prospects?

This is the 3rd WR commit and the class is actually filling up fast with 16 commitments and approximately 9 spots left. There are other WR offers out there, even very recent offers, and one has to wonder how many spots remain at this position.

Recruiting Map