Wide receiver Jeremiah Batiste poses at Tyner Academy's Bob Evans Stadium on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018 in Chattanooga, Tenn.Even though it's six hours to the north, Jeremiah Batiste said he has come to feel at home with the Miami University (Ohio) football program. That comfort level led Tyner's rising senior all-state receiver to publicly commit to the RedHawks on Wednesday evening.
"This isn't a rushed decision," Batiste said. "I've been up there for a visit and gotten to know the coaching staff, and really it's been about a six-month process to where I feel like I'm comfortable enough that I know that's where I want to go to school and play.
"It really just felt like home. Just the way the coaches and players interact, and I liked everything about the school."
The RedHawks are a Football Bowl Subdivision program that competes in the Mid-American Conference.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Batiste was a Class 2A Mr. Football finalist last season, leading the area with 1,178 receiving yards (averaging 24.1 yards per catch) and 15 touchdowns to help the Rams average 40 points per game. He also intercepted three passes on defense but is projected to play receiver at the collegiate level.
Wide receiver Jeremiah Batiste poses at Tyner Academy's Bob Evans Stadium on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018 in Chattanooga, Tenn."I don't plan on taking any other visits," Batiste added. "I'm shutting it down now. Closed for business, and it feels good to have the hassle of recruiting out of the way. Now I can concentrate on finishing up my senior year strong, going out and trying to dominate."
This spring Batiste turned in the fastest 100-meters time in the state, finishing in 10.67 seconds to qualify for the Small Class state meet. He finished second at the state meet in the 200-meter dash and also competed in the long jump and 4x200 relay.
"Jeremiah is the guy who ignites our whole offense," Tyner football coach Wayne Turner said. "Athletically he rates right up there with the best we've ever had here, but what really separates him is his willingness to outwork everybody else, too. The sky is the limit as far as his future."
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293. Follow him on Twitter @StephenHargis.
Tyner's Jeremiah Batiste (11) avoids a Trousdale tackler. The Tyner Rams hosted the Trousdale County Yellowjackets in the second round of the TSSAA football playoffs on November 9, 2018.