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Cowboys have filled a major void in this recruiting class, as one of the top junior college players in the country Chris Carson has decided to play for Oklahoma State next season. GoPokes.com's Robert Allen was first to break the news.
Big recruiting news! Just got this from Butler co. CC RB Chris Carson. "I'm in class. But after thinking over my decision, i decided OSU."
— Robert Allen (@RAllenGoPokes) February 2, 2015
Oklahoma State desperately needed to find a running back that can come in and contribute right away as there are currently no running backs with playing experience outside of Rennie Childs on next year's roster. It appeared starting two weeks ago that the coaches were locked in to finding a running back, and they began making visits and phone calls to running backs that could replace the formally committed Ronald Jones.
As early as last night, Chris Carson had reaffirmed his commitment to Georgia. However, he had a change of heart after thinking over his options this morning. Bill Haisten confirmed the news personally, and Carson told Haisten there was a big reason for the switch.
#okstate Just spoke with Chris Carson. Commitment confirmed. "OSU sent a few (running backs) to the league. That opened my eyes a little."
— Bill Haisten (@billhaisten) February 3, 2015
Listed at 6-2 210 lbs with a 4.5 forty time, Carson is the type of runner that the Cowboys can count on to help carry the load for the rushing attack next season. Originally from Lillburn (GA), Carson played the last two seasons for Butler County Community College and had a breakout year in 2014 rushing for 972 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Chris is currently listed as the #3 Junior College running back in the country according to ESPN, and is ranked 12th on the JC50 list. He originally committed to Georgia out of high school, and once again committed to them last fall. Carson visited OSU two weeks ago and was impressed by his visit. Chris discussed his weekend with Robert Allen:
'I really liked it, the school and the facilities,' Carson answered when asked about the visit. 'Ryan Simmons, the linebacker, and Jimmy Bean were our hosts. The facilities are all nice. The beds are really comfortable, but the locker room, I was really impressed with that because it's so big.'
Carson was looking for a program that would give him the best opportunity to get to the NFL. Coach Singleton and his peers were able to sell "Tailback U", which has sent a long list of running backs to the pros under Gundy as head coach and offensive coordinator including Kendall Hunter, Joseph Randle, Keith Toston, Vernand Morency, and Tatum Bell. Not to mention Gundy's hall of fame former teammates Thurman Thomas and Barry Sanders. Having that type of history has certainly helped the Cowboys bring in talented backs in the past, and it proved to be a major asset with Chris.
Chris Carson joins Todd Mays and Jeff Carr as the running backs in this class, and he becomes the 19th commitment for 2015.