Anderson gives TCU another impact player for 2016 class

Darius Anderson committed to TCU Wednesday night, adding another highly touted prospect to an historic class for the Horned Frogs.

The Richmond (Texas) George Ranch running back was one of a few top recruits who visited Fort Worth last weekend. He chose the Frogs over offers from Houston, Texas and Texas A&M after decommitting from Missouri in December.

The 3-star's commitment elevated TCU's recruiting class ranking from No. 23 to No. 17 in the country. Previously the Frogs' highest ranked class was in 2011, which came in at No. 26.

The Frogs had been searching for a 2016 running back to go with Sewo Olonilua since Trayveon Williams flipped to A&M in November. Olonilua was glad to hear that Anderson would be his new running mate in the backfield.

Anderson is listed as 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, giving the Frogs a smaller, speedy threat that complements the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Olonilua. Both can catch the ball well and make good cuts, but while Olonilua is more likely to fight through tacklers for yardage, Anderson is more likely to run past them.

His style of play is similar to that of Aaron Green. He's a one-cut back who can reel off huge runs when he gets through the initial hole. The Houston-area product has a shiftiness and a knack for slipping out of tackles like Green as well.

Anderson was a key component in George Ranch's run to a state title in 2015, running for 2,274 yards and 30 touchdowns as a senior. He ran the ball 24 times for 246 yards and a touchdown in the state championship against Lake Ridge.