OAK RIDGE NORTH — Another big recruit out of Oak Ridge High School committed earlier this week.
On Monday evening, four-star running back Frankie Arthur picked the University of Central Florida over Oregon and Missouri.
Arthur joins Oak Ridge teammates Justin Williams (five-star to Georgia), a linebacker, and defensive lineman Joseph Jonah-Ajonye (four-star to Georgia) to make verbal commitments in the past month.
Arthur just had a good feeling about the Knights and head coach Gus Malzahn as the Big 12 era began this summer at the Orlando campus.
Arthur was the 15th member of the Class of 2024 to commit to the Knights.
“I just had a really good time and I really related to a lot of the coaches there,” Arthur said in an interview Thursday afternoon.
Arthur has had a bond and connection to UCF running backs coach Kam Martin that goes back.
“I liked Kam Martin,” Arthur said of the ex-Auburn Tiger running back. “He’s one of my favorite coaches. He’s been talking to me ever since he worked at (Incarnate Word). But he just waited it out and gave me the best opportunity and I took it.”
Arthur, the younger brother of former NFL star Adrian Peterson, who is the No. 5 all-time rusher in league history at nearly 15,000 yards, can see a bright future at UCF.
“It’s going to be an amazing place in a couple years,” Arthur said. “And there’s going to be amazing people going there.”
Arthur has contributed to Oak Ridge since he was a freshman.
In 2022 as a junior, Arthur rushed for 1,445 yards in 18 touchdowns as he worked in tandem with fellow War Eagles senior Larry DeBose. Arthur was selected the District 13-6A co-Offensive Most Valuable Player as Oak Ridge went 7-4 overall and 6-2 in league play.
Arthur is also a sprinter for the War Eagles track and field team in the spring.
On 247 Sports’ recruiting rankings, Arthur is currently the No. 111 prospect in the nation and No. 20 in Texas. He is the No. 5 running back in Texas and No. 19 in the country at that position.
Arthur is 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds.
Oak Ridge begins the regular season Aug. 25 at Brenham.
Early signing period takes place in late December while the traditional signing period is in February.
