BYU football coaches received some good news Friday when Spanish Fork High senior and Cougar recruit Richard Wilson verbally committed to the program. He plans to sign with the No. 9 Cougars in February.

The senior tight end called BYU on Friday morning to inform the coaches of the good news.

Wilson was also recruited heavily by LSU, Miami and Stanford, but decided BYU was the best fit to make his pledge.

ESPN's high school scouting service has Wilson ranked the fifth best senior tight end in the nation. Scout.com, a similar ranking Web site, has him ranked at No. 7.

Both services expect Wilson to be a productive receiver, utilizing his speed and route running ability, much in the mold of current and former BYU tight end greats.

Wilson's commitment adds to an already deep corps of tight ends in the BYU stable. Wilson will join juniors Dennis Pitta and Andrew George on the roster next year and plans to play one year before embarking on an LDS mission the following spring.

This marks the third consecutive year BYU has received a commitment from a highly regarded tight end prospect.

Last year, former Bingham high star Austin Holt signed with the Cougar's before leaving on his mission. Holt is due to return in August 2010. Two years ago, BYU signed Devin Mahina from Upland, Calif. Mahina is also on a mission and is expected to join Holt with the Cougars in time for the 2010 season.

BYU appears to be loaded at tight end, continuing the recent success at the position of such players as Chad Lewis, Doug Jolley, Daniel Coats, Johnny Harline and Pitta.

Last year, as a junior, Wilson recorded 46 catches for 690 yards and eight touchdowns for the Dons.

Copyright Brigham Young University 7 Oct 2008