MINNEAPOLIS — The highlight of Minnesota’s latest recruiting class is a hometown kid: running back Jeff Jones.

Jones upheld his verbal commitment to the program by announcing his decision Wednesday on national signing day to join the Gophers. He held a news conference at Minneapolis Washburn, the same high school that produced standout defensive tackle and potential NFL first-round draft pick Ra’Shede Hageman.

Jones was also considering Iowa State. Considered the best college recruit in Minnesota, Jones was ranked in the top 100 nationally by two major services, Rivals.com and Scout.com.

His decision gives the 2014 group a big boost. Both Rivals and Scout ranked Minnesota’s class 49th nationally, the highest under coach Jerry Kill.