Camarillo’s Bateman to Play Football at Brigham Young

Eric Bateman of Camarillo High, an all-state selection at offensive tackle by Cal-Hi Sports magazine, said Tuesday that he will accept a scholarship offer from Brigham Young.

Bateman, an All-Southern Section Division II selection, visited BYU this past weekend. He visited UCLA on Dec. 20.

“I think BYU is better than UCLA because (Brigham Young’s) passing game affords linemen a better chance for recognition by the (National Football League),” Bateman said.

Bateman, 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds, did not play organized football until his junior year. He surpassed minimum standards on the Scholastic Aptitude Test and said he might study pre-law or English at BYU. A member of the Mormon church, Bateman also said he plans to embark on a two-year mission after his freshman year.

The two-time defending Marmonte League heavyweight wrestling champion, Bateman has decided to forgo his senior season in that sport in order to lift weights.