ARLINGTON — With just one high school football season ahead of him, Lakewood’s 6-foot, 6-inch, 219-pound tight-end Dustin Stanton has seemingly sewn up his future, at least for the next few years.

Stanton, a junior at Lakewood High School,  recently made a verbal commitment to accept a full-ride football scholarship to Oregon State University. High school players cannot sign NCAA letters of intent until February 2012, according to Lakewood coach Dan Teeter.

OSU wasn’t the only top-tiered program knocking at Stanton’s door. The Air Force Academy offered Stanton a full-ride to play defense (linebacker), Teeter said. Aside from AF and a few other teams in the now-Pac 12, Stanton meshed best with the Oregon State staff.

“He (Stanton) really gelled with the Oregon State staff,” Teeter said. ” … I think it was the USATODAY that ranked OSU No. 1 staff-wise and for family atmosphere and that really resonated with him.”

In the 2010 season, Stanton, made 19 catches for 291 yards and scored four touchdowns. He earned All-Area honors at tight-end and All-Conference honors on defense. As a linebacker, he ranked second on the team, registering 73 tackles, Teeter said.

“There are not a lot of teams that can match up with him,” Teeter said. “It nice to know that he will be back with us next season.”

For two consecutive years, Stanton, who carries a 3.3 grade-point average, has received the Coaches Award, an accolade that emphasizes a players’ attitude, effort and commitment.

“Most important other than his physical skills, Justin (Stanton) has earned the Coaches Award,” Teeter said. “The award goes to the player who plays hard and is a good example for the other players.”