4-Star RB Cameron Scarlett Commits to Stanford over UCLA, Washington

Stanford received a much-needed recruiting boost Monday when Cameron Scarlett committed to the Cardinal. The 4-star prospect picked Palo Alto as his collegiate destination after considering a pair of Pac-12 alternatives:

Scarlett, who is expected to play running back at Stanford, is rated 23rd nationally among "athletes" in 247Sports' composite rankings. He is considered the top overall 2015 recruit in Oregon.

The 6'1", 210-pound Portland, Oregon, playmaker is a product of Central Catholic High School. Scarlett seemed destined to land in the Pac-12, and his three finalists reflected that sentiment.

Aside from Notre Dame, his top interests were found on the West Coast. Oregon initially emerged as a contender, but the probability of him landing in Eugene gradually decreased as the Ducks assembled a class with similar players.

Scarlett gives Cardinal coach David Shaw an impressive offensive weapon. 

He rushed for more than 1,600 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2013, leading Central Catholic to a state title. However, his senior season was plagued by health issues, and a torn ACL ultimately ended Scarlett's high school career.

The outlook remains a bit murky for his recovery, but he aims to return for freshman training camp.

"I'm going to be out until the start of summer," Scarlett told Andrew Nemec of The Oregonian, "but hopefully I can rehab it up and be ready for camp this summer."

Stanford adds a player capable of lining up in multiple roles. He's an adept receiver and could see time in the slot or spread out wide when shifted beyond the backfield.

His rushing style is enhanced by above-average vision. Scarlett is patient as blockers create space and appears to have a strong grasp of how lanes develop downfield.

His size makes it difficult for defenders to finish off solo tackles, and there's an element of elusiveness that also helps maximize carries. Improved blocking in pass-protection settings could put Scarlett in position to emerge as an every-down back in college.

Stanford hosted him for an official visit last month. Longstanding respect for the program played a pivotal role in his decision.

"I just felt like this is the place where I was meant to be," Scarlett told Nemac. "I've been really fond of the program since I was young. ... I get a lot of love from the coaching staff, which is huge for me. They showed me they were serious about me."

Stanford now holds 11 commitments in a class rated 10th among Pac-12 members in 247Sports' composite class rankings.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.