Tulsa picks up multiple commitments this weekend
Another busy recruiting weekend and another round of official visits are in the books. TU picked up three new commitments on Saturday and could get more soon.
MORE: TU hosts 12 official visitors| Jan. 21 Recruiting Notes | Tulsa’s Jan. 15 visitors
Donaldsonville (La.) defensive tackle Tyarise Stevenson told Inside Tulsa Sports that he gave TU coaches a verbal pledge during his visit this weekend. Arlington (Texas) Martin defensive end Jimmy Nelson and Shreveport (La.) Calvary Baptist tight end David Fitzwater also committed while visiting the Hurricane.
Before the visit, Stevenson said he’d be looking for certain criteria at Tulsa.
“The educational side has to ‘wow’ me,” he explained. “It would also have to leave me in a great position to be successful in life even if football doesn't continue after college.”
Obviously, TU hit the mark for Stevenson, who had picked up offers from Texas Tech, UCF, Tulane, Louisiana Monroe, Louisiana-Lafayette, McNeese State, Jackson State and Grambling. He had committed early to Tulane before reopening his recruiting process.
The 6-foot-4, 320-pounder played offensive guard and defensive tackle for Donaldsonville High.
“I play assignment football. I'll adjust to any offensive formation and set the defense from my position -- sort of the anchor of the defense,” he explained. “I also can draw double teams to provide an opportunity for my teammates to stop the run if necessary.”
As for Jimmy Nelson, he chose Tulsa over offers from Eastern Michigan, New Mexico State, UTEP, UConn and Central Arkansas.
“I just like it (at Tulsa),” he said. “And it’s close to home. The campus is really nice.”
As a senior, the 6-foot-3, 250 pound defensive end helped his team to a 10-3 record, including 7-0 in district play. He recorded 72 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 6 QB hurries, 3 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries.
“Pass rush and getting around guys quick,” he said of his strengths. “And I can bull rush.”
Tulsa’s third commitment came from David Fitzwater, who played both tight end and defensive end for Calvary Baptist. At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, he said Tulsa recruited him on offense, where he had seven catches for 78 yards and a touchdown as a senior. On defense, he totaled 91 tackles and five sacks.
“I'm a team player and do whatever the team needs me for,” he described.
Fitzwater said he was looking for a good education and a team with solid coaches and quality teammates. He chose Tulsa over offers from Army, Air Force, Central Arkansas and Northwestern State.
"Tulsa just seemed like a real good fit," he said.
The Golden Hurricane currently has 18 prospects in the 2016 class (including two early enrollees), and there are two other undecided prospects that visited campus this weekend: Arizona Western College offensive tackle Deya Mhiesen and Southlake (Texas) Carroll offensive lineman Lucas Tribble.
Stay tuned to Inside Tulsa Sports for all the latest in Tulsa football recruiting.
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