JUCO running back Kobe McCrary commits to U

Kobe McCrary is the first running back commitment for the Gophers in the Class of 2016.

By Joe Christensen Star Tribune

January 25, 2016 — 8:49pm

The Gophers landed their first running back for this year's recruiting class Monday night, when Kobe McCrary announced he was picking Minnesota.

McCrary is a 6-1, 230-pound back from Butler (Kan.) Community College, the same school from which the Gophers just plucked offensive lineman Garrison Wright.

McCrary, a native of Chipley, Fla., is a consensus three-star recruit who also had reported offers from Southern Miss, Colorado State and Akron. He rushed for 1,190 yards (5.3 per carry) and 22 touchdowns last fall.

The Gophers now have 19 players committed with signing day coming Feb. 3. McCrary announced his decision on Twitter:

Joe Christensen, a Star Tribune sports team leader, graduated from the University of Minnesota and spent 15 years covering Major League Baseball, including stops at the Riverside Press-Enterprise and Baltimore Sun. He joined the Star Tribune in 2005 and spent four years covering Gophers football.

Joe.Christensen@StarTribune.com 612-673-7844

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