KU lands fullback Opurum

Toben Opurum, a four-star fullback out of Plano East High in Texas, became the Kansas University football team’s 18th known commitment in the Class of 2009 Tuesday, according to the Web site rivals.com.

Opurum, who rushed for 873 yards and eight touchdowns on 107 carries (an 8.2 yards-per-carry average) this season, also received offers from Florida, Texas Tech, Notre Dame and Nebraska. Following a visit last weekend to Lawrence, however, the 6-foot-2, 229-pound Opurum informed KU wide receivers coach David Beaty he had decided Kansas was the right fit and would be foregoing his remaining visits.

“The visit went great,” Opurum told the Web site. “The thing that stood out was how well I meshed with all of the players and coaches. I knew after the visit there was no need to take others. I saw what I needed and knew I could make decision off that.”

Rated the No. 3 fullback in the nation and the No. 45 player in the state of Texas by rivals, Opurum is the second four-star prospect to commit to Kansas, joining defensive back and fellow Texas native Prinz Kande.