Former Bastrop High wide receiver DeAngelo Benton received some long-awaited and welcome news when he was awarded his college eligibility by the NCAA Clearinghouse. Auburn assistant head coach and wide receivers coach Trooper Taylor informed BHS officials of the development Thursday afternoon.
Benton is scheduled to enroll for the summer term at Auburn on Monday, May 18. Just as in high school, he will wear jersey No. 5 at Auburn.
Benton, who helped the Rams to back-to-back state titles in 2005 and ’06, originally signed with LSU. He played for Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy in 2007, but withdrew from school before the semester ended. Upon returning to Bastrop, Benton gained his eligibility through correspondence courses.
As a senior, Benton was selected as Bastrop’s first Parade All-American after catching 44 passes for 1,028 yards and 16 touchdowns.
STATE QUALIFIERS: Two Bastrop High track athletes have earned the right to advance to the Class 4A state track & field meet at LSU.
Kari Payton finished second in the 400 and Shawn Thomas placed third in the pole vault at Thursday’s Regional Meet at Alexandria Senior High.
Payton, a sophomore, qualified in the 400 for the second straight year.
Thomas, who took up pole vaulting just three weeks ago, cleared 12-0 in his second meet on Thursday.
The State Meet will be held Saturday at LSU.
SPRING FOOTBALL: Bastrop High will hold its first day of spring football drills Monday afternoon.
ROAD TRIP: Prairie View senior David Picard will attend the Kentucky Derby today.
One of the nation’s top high school bull riders, Picard played football and baseball for the Spartans.
Bastrop, La. —
