Dallas Skyline running back Da'Leon Ward committed to Texas Tech in February over offers from TCU, Louisville and others. He was one of the very first tailbacks that running backs coach Mike Jinks and the rest of the offensive staff identified, and their evaluation looks to have been justified, as the Dallas native had an extremely impressive

season as one of the best offensive players in the Metroplex.

WHAT'S NEXT?:

Since making his pledge, Ward has remained firm in his commitment and now all other schools have completely backed off. The Skyline Raiders finished their 2015 campaign with a 9-3 record and a close 24-21 loss to Garland Rowlett on Saturday, now the 5.7 three-star

prospect will focus on his weight plan and run track in the spring before joining the Red Raiders this summer. The Red Raiders have big shoes to fill when DeAndre Washington plays his final two games for the scarlet and black in the coming weeks as Washington has rushed for almost 2,400 combined yards --and counting -- the past two seasons. Ward has seen the success Washington has had and hopes to get to that level himself at Texas Tech.

IN HIS WORDS:

"Their running back is amazing," Ward said. "I've been watching every game, trying to improve my game as well as his. The running back they have now, the coaches said I am bigger than him

-- well, taller -- and by the time I do get up there I should be bigger and maybe a little faster."

"As far as the big game with Texas, I talked to coach (Emmett) Jones last week and he was telling me the theme of practices they've been having with this big game they have, so hopefully they will pull out the big win."

OUR REACTION:

It looked like Ward and the other Skyline commits may have been wavering early on in the fall, but they've seemingly solidified themselves with the Red Raiders as of late. For Ward specifically, he's seen what a running back like DeAndre Washington has been able to do in the Tech offense. Tech fans should start getting excited about the RB, as he has a skillet similar to Washington's and looks to have a very promising future.