HOUSTON – Growing up in Katy, Michael Batton was a prolific quarterback who frustrated defenses with his arm and his legs.
A three-time all-district selection who piled up more than 5,000 yards of total offense and 45 touchdowns, the Seven Lakes graduate traveled a circuitous path to become a standout linebacker at the University of Houston. He attended four different colleges.
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He played wide receiver initially at Houston Christian before transferring to Nassau Community College in New York where he had success as a quarterback.
Ultimately, linebacker was the right spot for him, as was the University of Houston, after a stint at Louisiana-Monroe.
And, now, Batton is headed to the NFL after starting every game for the Coogs last season and recording 94 tackles to rank fifth in the Big 12 Conference. He’s projected as a rising priority free agent who attended the Texans’ local prospect day and has interest from multiple NFL teams.
“I hope my story is a voice for kids coming out of high school,” Batton told KPRC 2 in a telephone interview. “If you’re not getting too many offers, don’t give up and keep living your dream to play football. You might not see the light at the end of the tunnel, but one step at a time. Go where you’re wanted and you’ll be amazed at what could happen.”
He was a game captain four times, an all-academic Big 12 selection who had 7 1/2 tackles for losses, three sacks, two fumble recoveries and one interception with 15 quarterback pressures.
He had two sacks against Oklahoma with an 82.8 tackling grade against the Sooners.
“On the field, I really am a special talent,” Batton said. “I proved that at the Big 12 Pro Day. I am the quickest linebacker in this draft and have some of the greatest instincts. The game is becoming faster. I’m really in that mold as a linebacker who’s a really god leader with a high motor.
“I look at the game as a battlefield, as war, and I’m not going to lose my battle. I do everything in my power to come out on top. A lot of people say that, but they’re not really willing to die on the field. I’m willing to die on the field. That’s the kind of attitude I bring, and the film definitely shows that.”
At the Big 12 Pro Day in Frisco, Batton put on a show.
He ran the fastest 40-yard dash with a 4.53 time, which would have been one of the best times for a linebacker at the NFL scouting combine. He had a 10-2 broad jump, bench pressed 225 pounds 18 times, with a 7.01 three-cone drill and a 4.31 short shuttle.
“I would have been fastest in the there-cone drill at the combine,” Batton said.
Batton participated in the Texans’ local prospect day. meeting coach DeMeco Ryans, defensive coordinator Matt Burke and linebackers coach Bill Davis.
“It was a super cool experience,” Batton said. “It was my first time in an NFC facility. I was thankful to be a part of it. They followed up with my agent. They think very highly of me and see me as a priority free agent.
“At the Big 12 Pro Day, the Bears’ national scout was very impressed and said, I’m a baller. The 49ers contacted my agent. I spoke to the Browns. I’ve had interest from the Cowboys, Ravens, Chiefs, Dolphins, Vikings and Titans.”
Batton loves to hit.
“I get to send a message and control the defense,” he said. “I have all the skills, background and mentality to do that at a high level. Off the field, I’m a very laidback guy. I’m a very positive person. I’m a Christian. I’m a big believer in God and all His grace and mercy. I try to keep myself level-headed, never too high, never too low."
His journey to the NFL was unique, for sure.
“The path was definitely a bumpy road,” Batton said. “I took a year off after playing quarterback. I was kind of lost. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I put things in perspective. Houston showed me the most interest. I saw an opportunity to rewrite history.
“I went on an unofficial visit, fell in love with the school and committed that day. I showed the coaches I was mature and confident in my abilities. I took advantage of the opportunity and had a really good year. There’s still a lot more to prove, but teams are seeing what I can do.”
Batton embraces special teams.
“I never complain, I enjoyed it,” Batton said. “I do love seeing how fast I can run. I want to showcase my athleticism and speed.”
Batton would like to become real estate investor one day and is interested in broadcasting.
“I would like to build a real estate empire,” he said. “I would like to buy some duplexes and commercial real estate, too. I have a passion for the football dream. I hope to have a good career and, one day, be on those talk shows and be one of those guys who talks before games.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com
