The Oklahoma State Cowboys have been known for their high-octane offense and added three big wide receiver targets in the 2013 class, including Wylie (Texas) East pass-catcher Marcell Ateman.
Marcell Ateman signs with Oklahoma State
The Wylie (Texas) East product is part of a strong Cowboy receiving class.
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A 6-3, 195-pounder, Atement is a four-star prospect in the 247Sports composite rankings, as well as a top-40 wide receiver, and top-40 prospect in the state of Texas. He held offers from Arizona, Arkansas, Baylor, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Purdue, Tennessee, Texas Tech, and Washington State, among others.
Wylie joins Dallas (Texas) Skyline’s Ra’Shaad Samples and Tyler (Texas) John Tyler’s Fred Ross as wide receiver signees in the class.
Here’s the scoo on Ateman as a prospect at the time of his commitment:
One of many receivers from the state of Texas in 2013 who have excellent size and a basketball background, Ateman translates those skills to the gridiron. His ball skills rank among the best in his class, no small praise considering the competition. He can elevate to high-point the football in traffic like a forward going up for a rebound in the paint and his size and hands will continue to serve him well in college.
As with many tall receivers, he probably won’t shatter stopwatches with his time in the 40, but he’s a fluid athlete. If there’s a concern, it’s that he doesn’t show any particular route-running or make-you-miss ability after the catch. One possible explanation is the lack of available film. Another is that Ateman doesn’t have the ability.
The truth remains to be seen.
What Ateman has shown he can do is get open deep to take advantage of his size and leaping ability. If all he can do in college is exactly that, he should still be effective.
Ateman had a big senior season that included 84 catches for 1,582 yards and 26 touchdowns, production that is even more impressive considering he had to share catches with 2013 Baylor signee Quan Jones, a strong prospect in his own right.
Twitter: @ItsMarcell
Recruitment timeline: Ateman committed to Oklahoma State in early May of 2012 and remained firmly committed throughout the process.
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