Tyron Bates

Senior Tyron Bates begins his first season at Azusa Pacific after previous stops at Eastern Michigan and Cerritos College. ... A 6-foot, 180-pound wide receiver/athlete, joins the Cougar program with experience as a deep-threat receiver and versatile offensive player. Joined the Eastern Michigan football program as an incoming transfer in 2023. Spent the 2021 season as a redshirt at Cerritos (Calif.) College before playing for the Falcons in 2022. ... Appeared in all 11 games as a freshman. ... Served as one of Cerritos' top deep threats, catching 16 passes for 690 yards and 4 touchdowns while averaging 38.7 yards per reception and 56.3 yards per game. ... Also rushed 5 times for 18 yards and 1 touchdown. Played 3 seasons of varsity football for Head Coach Matt Howard at Paramount High School in Paramount, Calif. ... Competed for the Pirates in the San Gabriel Valley League and served as a 2-year team captain. ... Helped Paramount win 3 SGVL championships. ... Earned All-San Gabriel Valley League recognition as a senior after catching 20 passes for 400 yards while helping the Pirates go 9-3. ... Over his high school career, totaled 1,028 offensive yards, including 856 receiving yards and 172 rushing yards. ... Caught 49 passes for 856 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 17.5 yards per reception. ... Also rushed 16 times for 172 yards with 2 touchdowns. Born Feb. 11, 2002, in Long Beach, Calif. ... Parents are Victor Bates and Aronna Welcome-Veazie. ... Has 3 brothers (Ulysses, Victor, Amir). ... Brother Ulysses attended Azusa Pacific and played football for the Cougars. ... Majoring in Criminal Justice.