The Oregon State Beavers football program is off to a 1-4 start to the season under new head coach Jonathan Smith, but has dramatically improved on the offensive side of the ball.

Under Smith, Oregon State has been innovative and proven it can showcase a lead running back, as freshman Jermar Jefferson has accumulated 727 yards and eight touchdowns thus far.

Hoping to add to its stable of talented ball-carriers, Oregon State made the running back position a priority in the class of 2019 and landed one of its top targets Tuesday night.

Rivals three-star running back Taron Madison, the nation's No. 25 player at his position, announced his commitment to the Beavers on Twitter:

For the 6-foot-1, 192-pound ball-carrier, out of Banning, California, there was not just one aspect of the program or school that stood out, but rather a total package that had him anxious to commit.

"I'm going to Oregon State," he said. "I love everyone up there I've met - the coaches, the players. The hospitality was great on my visit. I love the city, the school. I just love everything. I feel like I'm already bonded with the coaches, the players. It's just great. I feel like it's the perfect fit for me."

A high-priority recruit for the program dating back to the previous coaching regime, Madison was a four-star prospect as a high school junior and held early offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Washington State and others.

However, an injury during his junior season tamped down his recruitment, and he chose Oregon State over Washington State and Wyoming.

Madison's commitment gives the Beavers their 12th commitment in the class of 2019, and the first at the running back position.

-- Andrew Nemec

anemec@oregonian.com

@AndrewNemec