BYU football scores commits from Johnny Ragin, Sam Lee in back-to-back days

BYU coaches were pleased to receive two verbal commitments from prospective recuits in the past 24 hours.

Johhny Ragin III, from Wilsonville, Oregon, committed to play football for BYU in 2013. Ragin III is a terrific athlete and will play outside linebacker for the Cougars. This commit was welcomed news as all signs point to star OLB Kyle Van Noy forgoing his Senior season and declaring for the NFL draft. Ragin III had scholarship offers from California, Colorado, Nevada, and Oregon State. ESPN rates Ragin III as a four-star recruit.

A buddy of mine, a University of Oregon alum and fan, said that many of the highly knowledgable Duck fans in the state were very impressed with Ragin III and were upset that he did not hold an offer from Chip Kelly. Anecdotal to be sure, but the general consensus in the recruiting community is that Ragin III is a terrific player and will be a factor at the next level.

Brandon Gurney has some great information about Ragin III in his piece for the Deseret News, including a quote from the newly-minted Cougar where he explains that BYU's honor code was a contributing factor in his decision to attend college in Provo. Ragin III is not LDS and this is further evidence that Bronco Mendenhall targets players who fit within the framework of the value-system implemented at BYU, no matter their religious affiliation. Don't tell Deadspin!

The second commit was from junior college cornerback Sam Lee from College of the Canyons JC. Lee had interest from Maryland, New Mexico, and Texas St. Gurney, always the busy man, has a great write-up of him here.