Royal’s Ross Opts to Attend No. 1 Colorado

All-American free safety Tim Ross of Royal High has orally committed to Colorado, the 1990 national champion according to the Associated Press.

Ross, ranked among the Sporting News’ top 100 high school players in the nation, had visited Washington and Colorado before announcing Friday that he had chosen Colorado. He canceled trips to USC and UCLA and will sign Feb. 6, the first day of the signing period for high school seniors.

Ross (6-foot-4, 215 pounds), who led Royal (8-2-1) to its first winning season since 1983, caused 17 fumbles last fall as a bruising defensive back and was an all-state selection by Cal-Hi Sports.

“I felt it was the best opportunity for me,” Ross said of Colorado. “During visits, you get a good feel for what you’ll be doing the next five years, and I think I’ll fit in really well at Colorado.”

Ross, who probably will redshirt as a freshman, said the Buffaloes coaches liked his athleticism. He has personal bests of 6-7 in the high jump, 22-1 in the long jump and 45-3 in the triple jump.

“They need bigger-than-average players to stop those big running backs at Oklahoma and Nebraska, and they believe I fit that role,” Ross said.