Posted on Tue, Sep. 02, 2008

Palmetto's Jaamal Berry, the top-ranked running back according to ESPN, says he committed to Ohio State on Sunday after an unofficial visit to Columbus, Ohio.

Berry chose the Buckeyes over LSU, Ole Miss, Florida, Florida State, Michigan and others, but he said his comfort level in Columbus, Ohio, set the Buckeyes apart from the rest.

''They've been my leader all along,'' Berry said. ``I went up with my mom this weekend. She liked it a lot. I loved it and had a great time and committed to coach [Jim] Tressel before I left.''

As a junior, Berry rushed for 1,033 yards and 14 touchdowns, but his stock rose after competing in numerous camps across the country.

As a sophomore, he had been clocked at 4.6 in the 40-yard dash, but in the February Sparq Camp in Davie, he was laser timed at 4.43 in the 40. He also later clocked at 4.31 in a hand-timed 40.

His combination of size and speed intrigues college coaches. In addition to his 40 times, Berry (5-11, 190) bench presses 340 pounds and squats 430 pounds.

In Palmetto's preseason exhibition against Miami Springs, Berry rushed for 155 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries, including a 79-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that put the game away.

Berry said he still plans on visiting Ole Miss sometime this fall, and will also take an official visit to Ohio State when the Buckeyes play host to Michigan.

''I wanted to get this taken care of so I could just start focusing completely on the football season and school,'' Berry said.

Berry said he has a 2.5 grade point average, but he will take the SAT in October for the first time.

TUESDAY'S SCHEDULE

VOLLEYBALL

Southwest at Ferguson, 7:15

Braddock at South Miami, 7:15

Lourdes at Sunset, 7:15

Varela at South Dade, 7:30

Killian at Southridge, 7:30

Palmetto at Homestead, 7:30

Coral Park at Coral Gables, 5

Mater Academy at Hialeah, 5

Reagan at Hialeah-Miami Lakes, 5

Gulliver at Naples St. John Neumann, 5

Archbishop Carroll at La Salle, 5

Greater Miami Academy at Miami Christian, 5

Brito at Princeton Christian, 3:30

Champagnat Catholic at Florida Bible Chr., 4

Hollywood Christian at Dade Christian, 6

SWIMMING

American, Miami High vs. North Miami (Sasso), 3

Doctors Charter vs. Sagemont (Pine Island), 7

BOYS' GOLF

Westminster Christian Invitational at Biltmore: 8 a.m.

Carol City vs. Jackson (Melreese), 3

GIRLS' GOLF

Carol City vs. Jackson (Melreese), 3

Pine Crest, Ransom at Boca Raton St. Andrews, 4