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Imposing wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham, widely regarded as the top high school senior in the nation, announced Wednesday he will attend the University of Missouri.
At a news conference at Hillcrest High School in Springfield, Mo., the six-foot-six 220-pound target signed with the Tigers over offers from Arkansas, Alabama, Texas, and countless other top programs.
"This morning, it is an honor to announce that I will be continuing my education at...," said Green-Beckham before donning a black Missouri hat. The move triggered a raucous response from his peers, who were allowed out of class to watch the announcement.
The 17-year-old said his decision was based on a desire to stay close to home.
"Just to stay home and have (family and friends) come out and see me," Green-Beckham said. Missouri's Columbia campus is three hours north of Springfield, which is actually closer to the University of Arkansas.
The signing is a huge boost for head coach Gary Pinkel as Missouri moves from the Big 12 to the SEC next season.
Many high school seniors are making their college choices official Wednesday, which is national signing day.
Boasting an exceptional 4.47 40-yard dash time, Green-Beckham's physical attributes have been compared to Detroit Lions star Calvin Johnson.
Scout.com described him as perhaps "the best receiver to come out in years."
This past season, Green-Beckham became the first high school receiver to amass more than 6,000 career receiving yards, finishing with 6,447. He set state records with 354 receiving yards in one game and 72 career touchdowns.
