Taquan Mizzell: Highly Recruited Running Back Commits to Virginia

Highly-recruited running back Taquan Mizzell committed to the University of Virginia over several top schools Tuesday, according to CBS Sports' Sean Bielawski.  

Mizzell, whose high school coach gave him the nickname “Smoke” due to his ability to make tacklers miss, is ranked as the sixth-best running back in his class by Rivals.com. He rose fast in the rankings after a very good junior season, racking up 1,098 yards on the ground and 23 touchdowns.

Mizzell had offers from 22 schools, including West Virginia, California, Cincinnati, Ohio State, Purdue, Miami (Fla.), Tennessee and UCLA.

Per Andrew Ramspacher of the Daily Progress:

"

Smoke on 757 together: We want to make this (UVa) like the Univ. of Fla where all the good players in the state go to the same school.

— Andrew Ramspacher (@ARamspacher) August 21, 2012"

ESPN says of the talented running back:

"

Mizzell is an explosive little package at the running back position with better all-around ability the more you watch. Has scat-back type feel with his smaller size and great feet but plays in a power-running offense that also exploits his decisive downhill running ability.

"

Virginia now has 18 commitments for the 2013 class, including two four star defensive backs