In a major recruiting development, four-star running back Daune Morris has flipped his commitment from the Tennessee Volunteers to the Ohio State Buckeyes. The change comes as a surprise to many, especially considering that Morris had been verbally committed to the Vols for months, with his original commitment announced earlier in the year. His decision to pledge to Ohio State marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing recruitment battle for top-tier talent in the 2024 class.

 

Morris, a 6-foot, 200-pound running back from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, had been highly sought after by programs across the nation due to his dynamic abilities as both a runner and a pass-catcher. He is widely regarded as one of the top running backs in the country, and his decision to join Ohio State is a significant win for the Buckeyes, who have been working hard to assemble another elite recruiting class. Morris brings a blend of power, speed, and vision that makes him a dangerous weapon on the field.

 

**A Surprising Flip**

 

Morris’ flip from Tennessee to Ohio State caught many by surprise, as he had previously spoken highly of the Volunteers’ program and coaching staff. His commitment to Tennessee seemed firm, with many expecting him to sign with the Vols in the early signing period. However, over the past few months, Morris visited Ohio State multiple times, and the Buckeyes were able to make a late push that ultimately swayed his decision.

 

Ohio State’s offensive system, which has a long history of developing top-tier running backs, played a significant role in Morris’ decision. The Buckeyes have produced several successful NFL running backs in recent years, and their reputation for developing offensive talent likely appealed to Morris as he looks to continue his football career at the highest level.

 

Morris also cited the strong relationship he had built with Ohio State’s coaching staff, including head coach Ryan Day and running backs coach Tony Alford. Alford, known for his ability to recruit and develop running backs, was a key factor in Morris’ decision to flip his commitment. Alford has been instrumental in recruiting some of the best running backs in recent years, and his track record of success at Ohio State made him a trusted figure for Morris.

 

**Tennessee’s Loss, Ohio State’s Gain**

 

For Tennessee, Morris’ flip is a tough blow, as the Volunteers were counting on him to be a key piece of their future backfield. Tennessee had invested significant time and resources into recruiting Morris, and his commitment was seen as a major win for head coach Josh Heupel’s program. The Vols have been on an upward trajectory in recent years, and losing out on a top recruit like Morris will be a setback in their efforts to continue building a championship-caliber roster.

 

However, Tennessee has already begun to adjust its recruiting strategy in light of Morris’ decision. The Vols remain in the hunt for other talented running backs and will continue to focus on building a strong recruiting class to complement their growing program.

 

For Ohio State, Morris’ commitment adds to an already impressive group of recruits in the 2024 class. The Buckeyes have been on a tear in recruiting and have landed several top-tier players at key positions. With Morris in the fold, Ohio State’s offense becomes even more potent, with a versatile running back who can contribute in a variety of ways.

 

**Looking Ahead**

 

As the 2024 recruiting cycle continues to unfold, all eyes will be on how Morris performs during his senior season and what impact he will have once he arrives at Ohio State. The Buckeyes’ running back depth chart could see significant changes in the coming years, with Morris potentially playing a major role in their offense as soon as he steps on campus.

 

Tennessee, meanwhile, will look to rebound from the loss of Morris by focusing on other recruiting targets and continuing to build a strong class of their own. The Volunteers’ program remains on an upward trajectory under Heupel, and despite this setback, they are still poised to compete at a high level in the SEC.

 

In the end, Daune Morris’ decision to flip his commitment to Ohio State is another testament to the fierce competition in college football recruiting, where even the most solid commitments can shift unexpectedly. It also highlights the importance of relationships, player development, and the appeal of a program’s track record in producing successful NFL talent. For Ohio State, it’s a major win that strengthens their already impressive recruiting class and adds another explosive playmaker to their future roster.