FREE: Baxter explains SMU commitment

Lakeview Centennial WR Jarvis Baxter decided late last week that he wanted to commit to SMU and made it official on Tuesday night

After numerous attempts of trying to contact various SMU coaches, Lakeview Centennial (TX) wide receiver Jarvis Baxter was finally able to track down defensive coordinator Tom Mason on Tuesday night and gave his verbal commitment.

“I got in contact with Coach Mason, and we started talking about it. I told him I was ready to commit to SMU,” Baxter said. “ He explained to me that he was in Japan and that they had won the game, which is why it took a little long.”

Baxter has been high on SMU since first receiving the offer this spring and decided he wanted to be a Mustang late last week. With some coaches not even in the country, Baxter grew a little frustrated with the situation but stayed patient because of his love for the SMU program.

“What I like about SMU is the coaching staff. Education is important as well,” Baxter said. “It’s somewhere where I can come in and get playing time at. That’s what my family wanted. They wanted me to go somewhere where I could play and get a good education. That’s why I committed to SMU.”

Another reason Baxter decided to pull the trigger was because of SMU’s transition into the Big East, which is slated to happen when he enters college in 2013.

“It’s big time,” Baxter said. “There’s more talented competition and players that can match your level. I feel like it’s a really good thing and something to get excited about.”

But just because Baxter gave his verbal doesn’t mean he’s still not exploring other options. The two-star prospect currently holds an offer from UNT and will be visiting both Baylor and Texas A&M later this month.

“I’m going to keep my options open regardless,” Baxter said. “It’s a verbal commit and a strong one, but I’m still weighing my options.”

If Baxter remains an SMU commit through signing day, he believes he can be nightmare in the slot for opposing defenses.

“I’ll be playing inside. Coach Mason told me I would be used like Cole Beasley,” Baxter said. “I’m very excited. That’s what I want to do. I want to play in a Run N’ Shoot offense because I feel that’s where I can be effective.”

Baxter added that he would be visiting SMU multiple times in the coming months in order to get a better feel for his new home.