Memphis scores big commitment
With new head coach Larry Porter at the helm, Memphis is starting to turn things around on the recruiting trail. Despite a home loss to in-state foe Tennessee on Saturday, the Tigers added a huge commitment on Sunday afternoon.
Greensburg (La.) St. Helena athlete Ryan Byrd was in town to watch the game. A day later, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound three-star prospect decided he wanted to be a Tiger.
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"I committed to Memphis," Byrd said on Sunday afternoon. "I just did it about 20 minutes ago. I met with coach Porter in person. I was in his office. He was glad that I did it and just told me to be ready to play early."
Byrd says several factors led him to make his pledge.
"I liked the campus," he said. "I was up there this weekend for an unofficial visit to watch the game. I really enjoyed what I saw. It's a really nice place. I also really like the coaching staff. I've really gotten close to coach (Galen) Scott."
Before committing to Memphis, the big athlete was recently quoted as having a top three of Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Tulsa. He is not ruling those schools, or any others for that matter, out of the equation, though.
"It's my top school right now but I might be switching it around," Byrd said of Memphis. "I can't say that it's 100-percent solid or anything.
"I have [an official visit] scheduled for Nov. 20 at Tulsa. I'm not sure if I'm going to take it or not. I haven't been on any officials yet. I've got to schedule one for Memphis and then, other than that, I'm not sure just yet."
Byrd is ranked as the No. 56 athlete prospect in the country and the No. 22 overall player in Louisiana. He also has offers from Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Tulsa, Kansas, Kansas State, Minnesota, Tulane, Arkansas State, Western Kentucky and South Alabama.