KU lands Dallas running back

Two days before national signing day, Kansas bolstered its 2014 recruiting class by landing one of the top prospects in the Dallas area.

Corey Avery, a three-star athlete from Dallas-Carter High School, made an oral commitment to Kansas after also visiting Nebraska and drawing interest from in-state school Texas. He announced his decision on Monday night during a local news broadcast in Dallas.

Surrounded by family and friends around him, Avery had three hats in front of him, including caps from Kansas, Nebraska and Texas. He first eliminated Texas, before picking up the KU hat and announcing his decision.

Avery took four visits this month. His first visited Texas before taking a trip to Nebraska. Last week, he took a mid-week visit to SMU, while his final visit came last weekend in Lawrence.

“I enjoyed myself,” Avery said of the visit, according to The Associated Press. “They have nice facilities and a nice town.”

According to Avery, KU running backs coach Reggie Mitchell was the lead recruiter for Avery. Avery, who played running back and safety in high school, could play in the slot for Kansas. At 5 feet 10 and 170 pounds, Avery is similar in body type to current KU receiver Tony Pierson, who began his career as a running back. Avery was voted a District MVP in the state of Texas as a junior and senior.

This story was originally published February 3, 2014 at 10:50 PM with the headline "KU lands Dallas running back."