Interview: 3-Star 2021 California SS/ATH Cole Batson is the Do-Everything Defender
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Imagine being a defensive coordinator with a unique set of challenges each week that ranges from stopping a stud running back or shutting down an explosive receiver… what do you do? If you are the coaches at San Clemente High School, you stick Class of 2021 do-everything defender Cole Batson on the other team’s top player.
Football’s equivalent of a box-in-one, that is what Cole Batson can bring to the field for the Tritons. Batson dominated the field with his size, speed, and athleticism putting an end to 91 plays with 60 solo tackles, two tackles for a loss, one QB hurry, two picks – one a pick-six, and six pass deflections. The 6-4, 190-pound, safety was versatile enough to drop down in the box against the run and against the pass covering against slot and tight end targets.
If Batson’s All-CIF Safety Southern Section, All-County, and All-League first team post-season honors were not enough, he also dabbled on offense hauling in 26 passes for 249 yards with four touchdowns posted on the board. Further impressing, the three-star recruit is carrying a 3.9 cumulative grade point average. The complete package has college programs dreaming. Eight offers have been dropped and recruiting interests are picking up.
In an RNG exclusive conversation, Batson goes into detail on his big junior season while updating his activities on the recruiting trail.
Interview
Cole, you blew it up last season as that versatile athlete for the Tritons. Going into the schedule, did you expect to have the kind of season you produced?
“Yes. I had been working that offseason almost every day with my dad. I worked on strength, conditioning, and balance. I was going out to the field getting the timing down with my quarterback and I did DB training working on my man coverage trying to bait the QB. I worked in the offseason to be productive on both sides of the ball.”
On defense, you were an everywhere kind of defensive back. Where all were you lining up last season?
“Last season, I played strong safety. Most of the time we ran a Cover 3, I would come up in the box like an outside linebacker. I love playing up in the box helping the big guys up front. I would also man up on the slot and the tight end. I showed off my man coverage against bigger players and the other team’s No. 1 receiver. I dropped into deep coverage trying to bait quarterbacks and was getting pass deflections.”
Your ability to diagnose plays is above the grade. Where does that come from in your preparation?
“The biggest thing, my dad and I review film every day. We look at the quarterback’s tendencies and the play tendencies. I would talk to our defensive coordinator to see the plays we will run that week. Then I would see how I could disguise my coverages and keep him confused, bait him into bad throws.”
The speed you have is deceptive and game changing. How fast are you?
“My best 40 is a 4.6 hand-timed. I was hoping to show that at camps this offseason. I’ve been working with Emmanuel Moody for speed training. I’ve been seeing improvement with my speed. Stepping on the field, I am seeing separation. I am keeping up with guys that run a 4.4. My speed improvement will be really huge for my game.”
On offense, you made an impact when given the opportunity. How did that part of your game evolve to the next level in 2019?
“I played receiver and safety all my life. My sophomore year, I did not get to play receiver; I played safety only. I wanted to play both in 2019. I worked hard with my receivers’ coach and my quarterbacks to work on my press releases, route running, and improving my yards after the catch. That is something my dad has instilled in me. You want to showcase that, colleges like that.”
Are you taking on any new roles in 2020?
“I’m not too sure. I have talked to my DB coach; in man I will play their No. 1 on the outside. I will be at corner. I might play some outside linebacker and safety as well. On offense, I will mainly be at slot and outside receiver.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“This offseason I am working a lot on my speed and man coverage skills. I wanted to show that at the camps. I wanted show that I can dominate the best in the country. I am working a lot on my strength. My goal is to be at 205 at the start of the season. I’ve been doing a lot of explosive work. Coach Moody thing is to be explosive.”
Switching to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“I’ve been talking to UCLA, Washington, Duke, Virginia, Army, and Harvard.”
Nice. How many offers have you received?
“Eight.”
Batson’s Offer Sheet: Colorado State, Cornell, Fresno State, Pennsylvania, San Diego State, San Jose State, Washington State, and Yale
Over the last few months, have you taken any unofficial visits?
“After my sophomore year, I went to BYU; they gave me a tour. During the football season, I went to a UCLA, USC, San Diego State, and Stanford.”
When the campuses open back up, do you plan on visiting any programs?
“During spring break, I was supposed to visit the east coast; Duke, Virginia, and the Ivy league schools recruiting me. That is a bummer. I’ve been talking a lot with San Diego State, Washington State, and UCLA. We’ll see what happens going forward.”
Cole, it was great spending time with you today learning more about what you got going on with recruiting and offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Baston family; Cole Batson at UCLA and SDSU