Lamar athlete commits to Rice University

Lamar senior outfielder John Williamson has committed to play baseball next year for Rice University.

The 6-foot, 1-inch, 180-pound Williamson bats and throws with his left and does so commandingly.

He batted .445, had 57 RBIs and scored 49 runs last season for the Redskins.

Williamson boasted an impressive .927 slugging percentage and also swiped 16 bases last year.

He was a first team all-district selection last season and has impressed rival pitchers including Aflac All-American and Westside Wolves versatile standout Daniel Mengden.

When the Texas A&M commitment and 2011 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft prospect Mengden was asked by sullydraft, an MLB draft blog, "Who is the toughest hitter you have ever faced? Toughest pitcher?" Mengden answered, "John Williamson and [Alvin pitcher] Jordan Stevens."