Batton enjoys official visit, ready to get on field for Hogs

FAYETTEVILLE — Atlanta (Texas) running back Markeylin Batton committed to Arkansas on Feb. 3 and got to take his official visit this past weekend.

Batton, 5-11, 178, had a good junior season for Atlanta. Batton rushed 81 times for 610 yards and nine touchdowns. He also caught 16 passes for 255 yards and four touchdowns. On defense, Batton added 17 tackles, 16 solo, two pass breakups and a forced fumble. He returned six kickoffs for 179 yards and one touchdown. Batton reflected back on the visit this past weekend.

“This was like the real thing,” Batton said. “So I’m going with my heart and where it will take me but I love Arkansas. My uncle played for Arkansas when he was in college so I’m just trying to make a name for myself and continue to grind.”

Batton’s uncle is former Queen City (Texas) standout Jason Peters. He also knows about defensive end Randy Garner and the athletic DeCori Birmingham who both played for Arkansas after careers at Atlanta. Batton talked about what Peters has told him about Arkansas.

“He liked it up here,” Batton said. “He just told me to just go with my heart.”

Batton ran a 10.5 in the 100-meter dash during track this past spring. At Arkansas he will play for Kolby Smith.

“He’s a cool dude for real,” Batton said. “I like him. All the coaches are cool to me I love them.”

Batton enjoyed the entire visit, but did mention a highlight or two of the visit.

“Highlight was talking to Coach (Sam) Pittman and the photo shoot,” Batton said. “He’s a cool dude, he jokes around a lot I love him. I like him.”

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