Jefferson wide receiver Derrick Ingram, one of Tampa Bay’s top receivers last season, said Tuesday that he has orally committed to Ohio University.
The 2014 prospect had 28 catches for 499 yards and finished with nine touchdowns last season for the Dragons.
“That was my best offer, and its where I felt I’d be the most comfortable,’’ said Ingram, who hasn’t visited the school yet — he will in the fall — but is friends with quarterback Greg Windham and incoming wide receiver Chris Murray, both formerly of King, as well as former Plant City running back Dazmond Patterson.
“Greg told me it was a great school, and that they are building a great football program,” Ingram said.
Though he added playing defensive back to his repertoire this spring in the hopes of being more attractive to prospective colleges, Ingram was recruited by the Bobcats to play receiver. His 6-2, 192-pound frame makes him a prime end-zone option — he caught touchdown passes in six of his last seven games for the Dragons in 2012 — and has the speed to make plays downfield.
Ingram had been hoping for a USF offer. “I knew I wanted to go (to Ohio) for a little minute now, I was just waiting,’’ said Ingram, who picked up his Bobcat offer last fall. “I’m going to Ohio with something to prove. I feel like I’m underrated. I’m going to show all the schools that missed out exactly what they missed out on.”
The senior said he’s solid on Ohio, but still plans to take official visits to Bowling Green, Middle Tennessee State and UMass, provided he can find the time while pursuing his No. 1 goal.
“Winning state,’’ he said. “One goal, and that’s to get that championship.”