Jake Kreul sets commitment date; Oklahoma, Texas battling

Andrew Nemec

Jake Kreul sets commitment date; Oklahoma, Texas battling image

IMG Academy (Florida) elite edge-rusher Jake Kreul has been a dominant force over the past six months and has emerged as one of the biggest prizes in the state of Florida.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound pass-rusher has racked up more than 50 scholarship offers and is projected as a polished, ready-made impact player along the line.

Kreul, the nation's No. 61 overall prospect, has been rumored to be close to a college commitment for some time, but a date is now officially set.

The IMG Academy star will announce his college destination August 12 and is down to a final three of Oklahoma, Ole Miss and Texas.

So, who is the favorite?

Well, for several months Oklahoma has been viewed as the team-to-beat, and Kreul's final official visit - a June 20 trip to Norman - proved to be a hit.

"My trip to Oklahoma was really good," he said. "I have visited a bunch before but this trip I got to get to know the players a lot more. They are excited for the season, especially now that (John) Mateer is there." 

Since then, however, both Ole Miss and Texas have made a push, particularly the Longhorns, who are closing strong.

With roughly a week until his decision, it now appears to be a battle between Oklahoma and Texas, which might make Sooners fans nervous until Decision Day.

What will the winning program be getting?

Here's what 247Sports had to say about Kreul as a prospect:

"Polished pass rusher that can win early or late with his technique and hustle. Might not blow you away off the hoof with his build, but game tape paints a different picture as he dips, rips and swipes his way through and around obstacles. Has proven to be an extremely efficient mover that can plant and redirect with little waisted motion."

"Owns a near complete menu of moves and is quick to cycle them as he likes to keep opponents guessing. Not one that has been asked to really anchor or hold up traffic, but tends to make plenty of effort-based stops in pursuit as he charges down the cleat line and gets ball carriers on the ground."

"Overall, should be viewed as an extremely advanced edge defender for his age. Easy to wonder how much more can be squeezed out of the player after he spent the past few years honing his craft at the NFL factory that is IMG Academy, but testing profile (1.65 split in the 10-yard dash, 4.18 in the short shuttle) and competitive drive signal that he’s got what it takes to make an impact at the Power Four level and then eventually become a pro. Likely to stick on the corner, but could always move closer to the ball depending on scheme and maturation." 

Andrew Nemec

Andrew Nemec has covered high school sports and the recruiting landscape for more than a decade, with an emphasis on the former and current Pac-12 footprint. Nemec, who hosts his own radio show on ESPN-affiliate 1080 The FAN in Portland, Oregon, is a graduate of the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication.