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Rivals250 DE Rome headed to the Big 12

The Oklahoma State Cowboys received a huge piece to their 2010 recruiting puzzle Monday as Columbia, Missouri-native Chase Rome verbally committed to the Big 12 program.
"I think Oklahoma State is somewhere where I can establish myself," he said "They take care of their players and their injured players. I love their strength and conditioning coach and entire staff. I will graduate in December and I wanted to get it done now."
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The 6-foot-3, 275-pounder held offers from the likes of Florida, Oklahoma, Nebraska and South Carolina just to name a few.
"I feel real solid about it," he said. "I had taken several unofficial visits throughout the country and Oklahoma State just felt right. They don't down talk other programs, which speaks volumes about them. No program is perfect, you just have to find the program that is perfect for you. I think I've done that."
With his commitment out of the way, Rome will now play the recruiter role for the Cowboys.
"I've already met Stephen Maeweather and he's a real athletic guy," he said. "I'm emailing prospects pictures of the facilities and trying to get in touch with kids they are recruiting."
Rome was an all-area selection at Rock Bridge High School, where he is coached by former Missouri Tiger and NFL alum A.J. Ofodile.
"Chase is an extremely hard-working kid," Ofodile said. "He is very dedicated to the offseason portion of [football] and has a very unique physical makeup. He's at 280-pounds now but has a frame to get to 310-pounds. He has long arms, very low body fat and is very agile. When you put those things together he has the chance to be an extremely special player.
Ofodile played tight end in the pros for Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Baltimore, and can speak from a college and professional perspective on his star player.
"He is a very loyal kid and he is very bought into what you put in front of him," he said. "He's a leader and a guy you can build a program around."
Rome also has an athletic pedigree from his father Wade Rome, who wrestled for Illinois and trains UFC participants.
"I use some of his stuff on the football field," he said. It helps with your hands, your speed and your reaction. Wrestling teaches where your opponent is going or is trying to go."
Forest Robeck contributed to this feature.
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