Parkland running back Deion Hankins verbally commits to UTEP

Parkland running back Deion Hankins verbally committed to UTEP just one day after taking an unofficial visit to his hometown school.

Hankins, one of the top running backs in the state, had offers from several Power 5 programs including Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, and Arkansas, among others.

Hankins released the news on Twitter Tuesday evening, posting the following message:

“God has opened and closed many doors for me throughout these past few weeks,” the message read. “Many may have mixed emotions about my decision, but I have to do what’s right for me. I would like to thank my family, my coaches, and the UTEP coaches for opening my eyes up to this stressful process. With that being said, I would like to announce that I am verbally committed to UTEP.”

As a sophomore at Parkland, Hankins drew attention when he finished second in the state of Texas in total rushing yards.

He followed that up with another stellar campaign in his junior season, leading Parkland to the third round of the postseason – further than any other El Paso public school.

Hankins will begin his senior campaign with Parkland on the road against Burges on Friday, Aug. 31.