ETSN 25 Recruiting Countdown, No. 2: Fred Ross, WR, John Tyler

2.Fred Ross

Receiver
John Tyler
6-1, 185
committed to Oklahoma State; additional offers from Baylor, Memphis, Mississippi State, Missouri, Ole Miss, Rice, Texas Tech, West Virginia (per John Tyler coach Ricklan Holmes)

The top target of John Tyler quarterback Greg Ward -- the Houston verbal commitment and No. 9 player on the preseason ETSN 25 -- Fred Ross exploded in 2011 and spearheaded a John Tyler receiving corps with 99 catches for 1,335 yards and 15 touchdowns, which accompanied 33 carries for 460 yards and six touchdowns.

Ross is a run-after-catch specialist and should continue to pile up huge numbers in 2012, which looks to be a banner year for John Tyler and its big-play spread offense.

Oklahoma State’s ability to get early commitments from Ross and Atlanta tailback Corion Webster, No. 3 on the ETSN 25, show just how much appeal the Cowboys have to offensive players in East Texas. Ross and Webster could be the 13th and 14th East Texans to sign with Oklahoma State since 2007. That list includes two NFL players in receiver Dez Bryant (Lufkin) and running back Kendall Hunter (John Tyler).