OU football picks up verbal #2 for the 2012 class in Jenks RB Alex Ross

Well the Sooners certainly aren't wasting any time getting the 2012 recruiting cycle started.  OU picked up its second verbal commitment for the 2012 class Tuesday night after standout local product RB Alex Ross (Jenks, OK) informed OU RB coach Cale Gundy that he had accepted OU's scholarship offer.  Ross was believed to be an "OU lean" as they say in the recruiting world, but had just recently given an interview stating that he was in no hurry to make a decision.  So for the news of his commitment to come out just a day later was a bit surprising.

When asked about why he chose OU, I thought the kid summed things up perfectly.

"I just felt like the time was right for me to commit," Ross said. "Oklahoma wins championships and that's what I wanted to accomplish, they have a great school, and great coaches."

Clearly the kid "gets it" when it comes to winning at the level OUhas become accustomed to, especially considering the success of his high school program.  It only makes sense that he would want to commit somewhere that he can continue that winning tradition.  He also stated he liked the idea of being close, but not too close, to home and having an opportunity to play in front of family. 

Ross compiled very impressive stats during his junior year, 1600 yards on just 125 carries (only 12.8 per, no big deal) and 28 rushing TDs, despite having to initially split carries with two other players.  At 6'1" 205 as a junior, he is already the size of a D-1 college RB and he still has his entire senior year to continue to develop.  He's also no slouch in the speed department, finishing fourth in the OK 6A 100-meter dash last year so even at his size he's not likely to get caught from behind.  The kid just has incredible physical gifts and if he continues to develop as a runner, could be the next (potentially) great OU RB.

Check out some of Ross' highlights from last year's OK state championship game.  As you can probably tell from the familiar sight of thousands of empty seats and neon orange, the game was played in Boone Pickens Stadium.  The maroon and white of Jenks is just a couple shades off of OU's crimson and cream, but I can already picture Ross putting up similar highlights in said stadium (likely just as empty on that future date) against the Pokes in an OU uniform!

Ross is currently ranked as the #2 overall 2012 prospect in the state of Oklahoma (behind Barry Sanders Jr.), but could snag the top spot with another impressive performance in his upcoming senior season.  It goes without saying but I'll say it anyway, it's always great to see a local talent such as Ross stay in-state and commit to the Sooners.

Welcome to Sooner Nation Alex!