St. Louis' top RB says he will sign with Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS -- Laurence Maroney, one of the best high school running backs in the country, said he will sign with Minnesota today.

Maroney was the top recruit in the St. Louis area, leading Normandy High with 1,917 yards rushing, 24 touchdowns and an average of 9.7 yards per carry in 2002. Rivals100.com ranks the 210-pounder as the 18th-best running back in the nation. He can run a 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds.

"I'm definitely coming to Minnesota," Maroney said late Monday night. "I really like their academics and their coaches. And I feel it's a place I can come in and play right away."

Maroney also had offers from Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin. His final decision came down to Missouri and the Gophers. Until Monday, Maroney had been saying he wouldn't announce his final decision until today.

"Minnesota is the place for me," Maroney said. "I got a little pressure to go to Mizzou. But I want to play for Minnesota."

Maroney was recruited by Gophers co-offensive coordinator Mitch Browning.