4-Star RB Prospect T.J. Pledger Commits to Oklahoma

T.J. Pledger has committed to the Oklahoma Sooners, giving the squad one of the top running backs in the 2018 class.Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports reported Pledger's decision Saturday. The 4-star recruit is the third-best running back in the country and No. 20 overall at any position, according to Scout.Pledger's physical numbers don't jump out. Scout lists him at 5'8", 200 pounds, making him a bit undersized for the position. Per ESPN.com, his 40-yard-dash time is a relatively slow 4.61 seconds.However, the California native makes up for his limitations with great quickness in small areas and instincts on the field. He is a patient runner who knows how to find the hole and make people miss at the second level.Additionally, his height doesn't prevent him from generating tons of power. He has enough strength to break tackles and push for extra yards on every play.His physicality, plus his experience with top high school programs, could allow him to make a quick transition to the college game.Persistence,as well as the school's tradition,helped Oklahoma land a player of this caliber."Just the history [at Oklahoma], you know," Pledger said in February regarding the school, perLuke Stampiniof 247Sports."The coaches have always been genuine to me and my family. They've always reached out to me since they offered me my sophomore year."With Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon both declaring for the 2017 NFL draft in April, Pledger will come to campus next year with a golden opportunity to make an impact and try to follow a long line of elite running backs who have starred for the Sooners.While there will be competition for a starting spot, Pledger should see the field right away for the Big 12 squad.
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