Steve Jones

@stevejones_cj

The University of Louisville football team added a Class of 2017 recruiting commitment Thursday from Itawamba (Miss.) Community College running back Octavius Matthews, who is rated the nation's No. 1 junior-college prospect at his position in the early rankings from 247Sports.com.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Matthews, who received an offer from Louisville this week and got a visit from lead recruiter L.D. Scott on Thursday, is U of L's third pledge in the 2017 class. He said he also had offers from Mississippi State, Middle Tennessee State, Troy and Alabama-Birmingham.

In addition to the top JUCO running back ranking, Matthews is considered the nation's No. 15 JUCO prospect overall in 2017 by 247Sports.com.

"It felt like home," he said. "Me and Coach Scott have a good relationship."

Matthews rushed for 808 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman last season at Itawamba.

Before junior college, Matthews attended North Jackson High School in Stevenson, Ala. - the same school that produced 2016 U of L tight end signee Austin Cummins.

Matthews' commitment continues the success of Scott, a native of Auburn, in recruiting players from his home state. He's also the lead recruiter for dual-threat 2017 Montgomery high school quarterback Malik Cunningham, who pledged to the Cardinals over the weekend.