Cai Bates reported an offer from Alabama football Thursday via Twitter.
Extremely blessed to receive an offer from the University of Alabama 🐘 #RollTide @BAMACoachG @Coach_TRob @RWrightRivals @EdgewaterFB @ChadSimmons_ @Andrew_Ivins @KiddRyno_Rivals pic.twitter.com/JOMZIEvysf
— Cai Bates (@bates_cai) February 24, 2023
Bates attends Edgewater High School in Florida, and he is another top emerging 2024 prospect. The junior now holds more than 30 D1 offers.
January was a huge month on the recruiting trail for Bates. He established himself as a highly-touted recruit by earning 19 offers. Alabama officially became a part of his recruitment when the Crimson Tide’s cornerbacks coach Travaris Robinson connected with him.
“I had a talk with coach T-Rob a few days ago and just started to build a relationship,” Bates told Touchdown Alabama. “He and I talked about the culture of Alabama and what it means to be a part of that culture. He told me he wanted to talk to my parents first, and he broke the news to my parents and allowed them to tell me I was offered. It felt amazing, a dream come true.”
Bates was born in Alabama and spent his early years in the state. He previously attended Pinson Valley High School in Pinson, Alabama. The Alabama native said he grew up a fan of the Tide.
“Being born in Alabama, it was always my favorite team and just a dream of mine, being able to have the opportunity to be there is big for me. It is a winning program and they produce great men overall.”
Bates plays on both sides of the football for Edgewater. The Tide are expected to recruit him as a defensive back.
At 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Bates is a long defensive back, who can play on an island and disrupt plays. His ball skills translate over from the offensive side of the football. As a wide receiver, Bates is a talented route runner.
Robinson told Bates he was impressed with his ‘large frame’ and his ability ‘to cover a lot of ground with great ball skills.’
Watch Cai Bates Highlights Below:
Bates plans to visit Alabama in March.
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Justin Smith is the Director of Recruiting for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via jdsmith31smith
