Ronald Jones II commits to USC
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Four-star running back Ronald Jones II, who decommitted from Oklahoma State in early December, committed to theUSC Trojansbefore the start ofthe 2015 Under Armour All-America game on Friday afternoon at Tropicana Field.
The 6-foot, 185-pound Jones, who played for McKinney (Texas) North High School, is the fifth-rated running back in the ESPN 300 rankings and No. 56 overall.
After visiting both schools in December, Jones chose the Trojans over Notre Dame. With the possibility of USC junior running back Javorius Allen leaving early for the NFL draft, Jones will have an opportunity to compete for early time in Los Angeles.
"If Jones can add size to his frame, look out, he has a natural feel for the position and game-breaker's explosiveness," Jones' Recruiting Nation scouting profile reads. "An outstanding athlete that could likely be recruited at multiple positions."
With the commitment of Jones, USC now has 19 verbal commitments including nine ranked in the ESPN 300. The Trojans have the 10th-ranked recruiting class in the country.
DT Settle commits to Virginia Tech:Following the commitment of Jones, five-star defensive tackle Tim Settle gave his verbal commitment toVirginia Techduring the first quarter of the game.
The Manassas, Virginia, native selected the Hokies over Oklahoma State, USC and Washington State. The 6-3, 339-pound interior lineman took his first official visit in September and visited the remainder of his favorite schools over the course of the season.
The 17th-ranked player in the ESPN 300-- and fourth-ranked defensive tackle -- said early playing time was a big factor.
"With Virginia Tech, I have an opportunity to come in and play as a freshman," he said after his announcement.
With the commitment of Settle, the Hokies now have 21 commits with Settle being the only ESPN 300 member in the class.
Alabama lands DT Payne: In the second quarter, another defensive tackle -- Birmingham nativeDa'Ron Payne-- gave his pledge to the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The four-star prospect out of Shades Valley High School chose Alabama over in-state rival Auburn and Mississippi State. Payne is ranked No. 50 overall -- and the eighth-highest DT -- in the ESPN 300.
Payne, a 6-3, 348-pound run-stopper, will give the Crimson Tide a big body in the middle that has potential to create havoc in the backfield.
"Payne is a physical player at the defensive tackle position with the ability to disrupt and anchor," Payne's scouting report reads. "Has some solid tools and will benefit from further polish to his technique."
Alabama's class is already the best in the nation, but Payne's addition makes it even stronger. The Tide now have 23 commitments, including 18 in the ESPN 300. Barring a drastic change, Alabama is on pace for its fourth consecutive No. 1-ranked recruiting class.
WR Johnson picks LSU:At halftime, New Orleans native, Tyron Johnson, gave his commitment to the home-state LSU Tigers. The 25th-ranked player in the ESPN 300 chose the Tigers over Texas Tech, Georgia, Oklahoma State and Auburn.
The 6-1, 185 pounder from Warren Easton HS has made several spectacular catches throughout the week and should have a chance to compete for playing time as a true freshman.
"This is a big, physical and fast prospect. Possesses height, long arms and above average bulk on a strong frame," Johnson's scouting report reads. "Has very good feet and quickness and can get to top speed rapidly. Builds off the line and can run past people with a free release. Excellent combination of measurables and physical traits."
LSU currently has the 18th-ranked recruiting class. The class is led by another Under Armour All-America prospect Kevin Toliver II. In all, the Tigers have 17 verbal commitments including six ranked in the ESPN 300.
Texas snags LB Wheeler: Four-star inside linebacker Anthony Wheeler started off the third quarter by giving his verbal commitment to the Texas Longhorns.
The product of Skyline High School in Dallas chose the Longhorns over Baylor and Oklahoma. Wheeler will also take his official visit to Texas on Jan. 16.
Texas head coach Charlie Strong has been looking to put his stamp on Texas recruiting and landing a player of Wheeler's caliber is certainly a step in the right direction.
"Athletic defender that can run," his scouting report reads. "Possesses a solidly-built, muscular frame with very good upper and lower body playing strength."
Texas now has 24 verbal commitments including 11 ranked in the ESPN 300. The Longhorns currently have the 11th-ranked recruiting class in the country.
