The

football program secured another commitment for the Class of 2014 when Phoenix, Ariz. defensive end Jalen Jelks gave his verbal pledge Monday, according to multiple outlets.

Jelks, 6-foot-7, 250 pounds, is ranked as a three-star prospect by recruiting websites

and

. He chose Oregon over offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Cal, Nebraska, Oregon State, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin, among others.

"I wasn't planning on committing until after the season, but I woke up today thinking it was the right day,"

.

A two-way starter at offensive tackle and defensive end for Desert Vista High School, Jelks has been working on his speed and agility this offseason with former Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals offensive guard Derek Kennard,

. And while recruited at both positions, as noted by Cohen,

Oregon likes him at defensive end.

“I see myself definitely as defensive end,” said Jelks, 16,

. “I play offense and I mean, I’m willing to play it, but I definitely like defense. I like hitting people and making sacks.”

He becomes the ninth member of the Ducks' 2014 recruiting class.

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