FAIRFIELD, Ohio -- Fairfield 2018 defensive end Malik Vann announced Wednesday afternoon he’s verbally committed to the University of Cincinnati.
Vann, who is listed at 6-feet-3-inches and 266 pounds, is one of the state’s top players in the 2018 class. He had narrowed his top college choices on April 11 to Alabama, UC, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
Fairfield coach Jason Krause told WCPO.com Vann just likes the feel of the UC program with the new coaching staff.
"The relationships with the coaches have been tremendous," Krause said. "Some other local guys committing have been huge. He really likes his fit in their defensive scheme."
Vann is rated the nation’s No. 12 strong-side defensive end by 247Sports, which also ranked him Ohio's No. 12 player overall.
He also had scholarship offers from Notre Dame, Duke, Iowa, Iowa State, Kentucky, Florida State, Oregon, West Virginia, Rutgers, Pittsburgh, Louisville and Maryland. Vann was named the Anthony Muñoz Foundation Division I Defensive Lineman of the Year in February.
Vann visited the UC spring football game last Friday. He is the fifth area player to report a verbal commitment in the 2018 college football class and the second highly rated area player to commit to the Bearcats this month. La Salle tight end Josh Whyle verbally committed to UC April 6.
Vann had five sacks and was a first-team All-Greater Miami Conference selection last season. He was Division I honorable mention all-state and first team all-district.
National Signing Day for the 2018 class is scheduled for Feb. 7, 2018. However, it seems likely an early signing period for football will happen in December. The Collegiate Commissioners Association (CCA) has to approve the measure at its June 20-22 meeting.
