Betts of Wolverines commits to SWCC
Steven Betts became a hot commodity on the junior college scene over the last couple of month due to a nice ending to his career at East Webster, and now the star athlete has his decision made.
On Thursday, Betts announced his plans to play football for Southwest Mississippi Community College next season. Betts took visits around the state of Mississippi to Gulf Coast Community College, Northeast, East Central and Holmes, but Southwest is where he will don the pads again next year.
“I want to give all the glory to God for blessing me with the opportunity to be able to play college football,” Betts wrote. “I would like to thank my family and friends for supporting me through everything. I also want to thank the coaches and staff members at East Webster High School for making me the young man I am today. Thank you to all the coaches who have recruited me the past few years, it has truly been a blessing. With that being said, I am blessed to say I am committed to Southwest Community College to further my academic and football career.”
Betts ended his career in Cumberland as head coach Ron Price’s winningest quarterback ever by leading the Wolverines to 22 wins in three seasons and three trips to the playoffs as the starter in as many opportunities. He had 2,945 passing yards in his career with 33 touchdowns and 23 interceptions and he also had 433 rushes, 3,153 yards and 32 touchdowns on the ground. He averaged 7.3 yards a rush in his career and had back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons as a junior and senior.
In 2020, Betts played in eight games due to a shortened schedule and an injury but still rushed for 1,152 yards, threw for 807 yards and scored a total of 19 touchdowns. He averaged 144 yards rushing a game and had six 100-yard rushing performances in eight contests. His work earned him Allarea and All-state honors, a Region 2 Most Valuable Player award and the Defensive MVP honor in the Bernard Blackwell North/south All-star game.
“Steven is special and he meant a lot to our program over the last few years,” Price said. “The players really rallied around him every game and there were most nights when he just put the team on his back and willed us to some games. We’re wishing him the best on the next level and anybody would be lucky to have him on their team.”
What Betts showed in the All-star game to earn himself Defensive MVP is what he is likely to show on the next level. Coaches around the state recruited him with linebacker in mind though a few coaches were interested in him on the offensive side of the ball.
New Southwest coach Cliff Collins has an eye for defensive talent having been a big part of the success at East Mississippi Community College over the years as he helped the team to five national championships as a defensive coordinator or position coach.