One to Watch California: 2017 Buena Park High School WR/CB Victor Bates
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
The 2015 football season has ended for most high schools across the nation and the college football season is drawing to a close. Recruiting efforts across the nation will pick up seeing offers start pouring in for seniors but also for Class of 2017 players already making an impact. Despite an abbreviated season due to a mid-season transfer, Buena Park wide receiver/cornerback Victor Bates is one of the many players who should see their recruiting stock rise in the coming months.
Bates was a two-year starter for Lakewood High School until a transfer to Buena Park took place by Game 4 of the 2015 high school season. Due to California transfer rules, Bates was held out but the shortened season did not reduce his value in the eyes of college coaches. The 6’1”, 170 pound, talent put on a show in the four games played coming up with 430 receiving yards on an estimated 35 receptions with five touchdowns and rushed for 215 yards with two scores.
The colleges that have responded early to Bates athleticism include Notre Dame, Cal, Purdue, Boston College, Fresno State, San Jose State, Washington State with Oregon State putting an offer on the table.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Victor to get the inside scoop on his transfer from Lakewood to Buena Park, found out which one-day college camps he is eyeing in the offseason, and got a recruiting news update.
Interview
Victor, there was some disgruntled people out there when you left Lakewood for Buena Park. What was the reason behind you transferring from one school to the other?
“My mom got married and my family moved. As far as school, I believe Buena Park was a better place for me to be a NCAA qualifier. It was not a football decision, if that was the case I did not play for the rest of the season after I transferred. That was pretty much it.”
You started as a sophomore, how did your sophomore year go?
“It went pretty good. I had a lot of receiving and rushing yards.”
In the four games you played this season, I could not find your exact stat totals, do you remember how many catches and touchdowns you had?
“I was in the mid to high thirties in receptions and had five receiving touchdowns and two rushing.”
Your game speed jumps out on your reel. What is the best 40-yard dash time you have posted?
“My best time is a 4.47.”
You play some corner and safety too, which position do you like best, safety or corner?
“I prefer corner. I feel more comfortable at corner. Our team runs a lot of man, I feel comfortable doing that being able to run with a receiver.”
Between running back and receiver, which position do you like better?
“I like running routes more. I prefer receiver but I’ll go where I fit in.”
Your season was truncated due to transferring, but what strides did you make in your progression on the field at the wide receiver position?
“My sophomore year I was just like a speed guy, that’s why I got playing time. In the offseason I worked on my route running, my footwork, and technique. Now I run much better routes and I’m more explosive.”
What are some of the things you plan on working on in the offseason to ensure a successful senior season?
“I still want to improve, there is always room to improve. I want to improve my route running and technique. I also want to improve on the other side of the ball to help the team in as many ways as I can.”
It may be too early, but have you started thinking about which one-day college camps you may attend during the offseason?
“I have actually. Last year I went to a Washington camp but this year I plan to go to Fresno, Washington, Washington State, Boise State, Nebraska, Utah and pretty much any camp in my area to put myself out there.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now?
“I have an offer from Oregon State. I get a lot of interest from Notre Dame, Washington, Cal-Berkeley, Iola, Purdue, WSU, and Boston College. Fresno and San Jose State show interest but not big interest. The other schools are every day consistent including Missouri.”
What type of feedback have you received from these colleges?
“I only have limited highlights, but the coaches have said they like my speed and my hands. They like my route running, I have good routes.”
Is there a NFL player you model your game after?
“I model my game after, this is tough because there are a lot, but I’d say Larry Fitzgerald back when he was the business.”
Will you play any other sports for Buena Park?
“I run track but I don’t compete. I run to keep in shape for football. I used to play basketball but stopped to focus on football.”
Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?
The biggest impact is probably my dad (Victor Bates Jr.). He’s not here with me but I talk to him every day. He motivates me. He wants me to be better than him. He pushes me to do better and take care of school and football first.”
How is your classroom work going?
“I have a 2.8 GPA.”
Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?
“I’m scheduled to take the SAT this spring.”
What is your favorite part of playing football?
“My favorite part about playing football is to be able to play with my friends, have a good time, and know we are all on the same page all wanting the same thing in the future.”
Victor, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: gazettes.com; No. 11 Victor Bates in action for Lakewood High School.