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Receiver Tray Becton-Martin of Briarcrest Christian in Memphis was one of about 12 prospects who visited Arkansas on March 6.
Becton-Martin , 5-11, 165, 4.49 has an offer from Memphis along with interest from Arkansas, Oregon, Tennessee, Georgia, and others. He attended Arkansas’ game against Georgia last season but the visit helped the Hogs even more.
“I’ve been up there to watch them play against Georgia,” said Martin, who reports a 4.09 pro-shuttle time. “I already liked them since then but after going there for junior day and was able to see all of their facilities and was able sit in the meeting rooms and watch film I really liked them a lot now. It’s changed my opinion of them.”
Becton-Martin was impressed when coach Bobby Petrino spoke to the group of recruits.
“He said if you come here you have to find a church to attend,” Becton-Martin said. “That was the first time to I had heard a coach say that if you come to their school you have to find a church. That’s real good because I know my parents want me to continue to go to church when I leave home.”
While his parents didn’t make the trip to Fayetteville, Becton-Martin said his mother plans to attend Arkansas’ one-day camp with him in July.
“She’s looking forward to me going down there for a camp so she can see the facilities and talk to the coaches as well.” Becton-Martin said.
Before traveling to Arkansas, Becton-Martin has visited Georgia, Alabama, Memphis and Southern Miss.
“They’re nice, top-notch,” he said of Arkansas’ facilities. “The best I’ve seen out of all of the schools.”
The visit allowed Becton-Martin the opportunity to meet receiver coach Kris Cinkovich.
“He told me he knew who I was and he really liked my film and he was looking forward to building a relationship and seeing me at camp.” Becton-Martin said.
Before spending time with the Arkansas coaches, Becton-Martin said he was use to the usual coach’s speak on recruiting.
“At Arkansas they tell you have to work for it,” Becton-Martin said. “They’re not just going to give you something. You have to work. At other schools they’re saying how you can do this and that.”
Linebacker coach Reggie Johnson, who recruits the Memphis area, has Becton-Martin’s respect.
“He’s a real good guy and he’s real blunt and honest,” Becton-Martin said. “I like him a lot. I like honesty. That’s the thing I like about Arkansas. They were straight forward and weren’t trying to fill us a line. They were honest with us.”
Becton-Martin recorded 40 receptions for 602 yards and 10 touchdowns in nine games last season but will probably get more touches in his senior year.
“The way my coach is talking,” he said. “I’m supposed to play corner and a little running back just to try and get the ball in my hands more.”
Comments
I can understand if CBP encourages players to attend church, but surely he doesn’t require them to go. I’am not sure that would be legal. Anyone know what his policy is?
He’s not requiring them to go to church. He probably just picked up through conversation that they were a religious family, and threw that in there while talking with the kid.
Whatever the motivation I like it. That kind of statement lets them know what kind of personal character the program is looking for.
The kid said he said it at a a meeting. So it would have been to the entire group. While I am sure we are not verifying that they actually attend, just making the statement “He said if you come here you have to find a church to attend” shows that he wants kids with good character. While this idea will clearly cause us to lose out on some kids that know they will not fit into a system like this, I personnaly like the idea of recruiting ONLY quality character kids.
Its not a gaurnantee of good character but the time spent, I have found gives returns years and years later. We all make mistakes but as you grow in maturity the teaching you get in a Christian setting will help guide you through many troubled times. It just may not happen in the 4-5 years spent in college. Myself I don’t care that Petrino may have said those exact words but I can see some people making a big deal out of it. Maybe someone like Lane Kiffen on the recruiting trail.
He is not telling them what church they should attend so I have no problem with what he said but I’m sure some people will. I just hope it doesn’t get blown out of proportion.
I just hope it doesn’t get blown out of proportion.
By RKV on Mar 19, 2010 @ 1:09pm
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From the looks of the comments, it already has
So maybe he should say, we don’t want a bunch of christian kids,
we would rather have a team full of thuggs. If that offends kids
you don’t want them. Every kid needs structure other than football.
They will be away from home for the first time. He is looking for
good kids, that graduates and stays out of trouble.[see Pelphrey]
Not a requirement of course… I don’t see a big deal either. I’m a Christian, and I don’t like to push my beliefs onto anyone. You put it out there and if they bite then great, if not thats ok.
I think the church suggestion is real good because it gets you into the community more. Get to know more people and the overall support and encouragment helps tons I’m sure.
So I don’t think its so much as the quality of kids CBP us looking for (christians) than just him wanting the kids to have help and support when they are away from home.
I really think some small things get blown up way out of proportion. We don’t need the prima donna’s that go out on the streets and assault people, steal stuff, etc. Your odds of having that happen with kids active in church is greatly reduced. My bet is that CBP said something to the effect that he strongly encourages the kids to select a church and choose to become active in it and this kid took the suggestion and thought it had a much deeper meaning.
Maybe coach CJP should spend some time with CBP. I think there are some things to learn. A complete mature man is Body, Mind and Spirit and a coach is responsible to some degree to help a student athlete reach their full potential as a human being not just an athlete.
This comment stood out to this kid because it was the first time he has heard it mentioned by a head coach. It was mentioned in his introduction of how Arkansas wanted to develop well rounded young men…to be good football players & students, good husbands, fathers and overall good citizens in society. He wasnt “preachin” just saying you should find a church (whatever youre beliefs are) and attend…that was it.
Players become reflections of their coach. The longer CBP is the head coach at Arkansas, the more his recruits/players will reflect his structure. Same goes for CJP.
It doesn’t always look thit way immediately, but almost always ends up that way with patience and support.
CBP and CJP both have my full support.
*this*
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