The University of Cincinnati picked up its? second commitment for the Class of 2012 on Tuesday when Reynoldsburg?s Jeff Murray issued his verbal pledge to become a Bearcat.

?Once the recruiting process started, I began hearing from many different schools, but UC always stayed at the front of my list,? Murray declared.

After his second unofficial visit to the UC campus, Murray decided the time was right.

Despite hearing from most Ohio programs as well as Michigan, Michigan State, and Army, Murray felt most comfortable in the Queen City. ?I grew close to Coach Heilman throughout the recruiting process. He showed a genuine interest in me as a person, and I feel the same way about Coach Cleary.?

In a twist of fate, Murray will be paired with childhood travel baseball rival Forrest Perron (IF/Strongsville) as the two look to help the Bearcats contend for the Big East Championship.

Murray, who is recognized as one of the top hitters in the 2012 class for the State of Ohio, is expected to make an immediate impact at first base for the UC program.

Standing at 6-2, 200 pounds, he posses a major-league type body. While he throws from the right side, Murray hits from the left-side of the plate.

During his sophomore year, Murray hit over .480 with seven homeruns and tied the school single season record for RBIs with 50. Even more impressive, this occurred in a division that featured pitchers Mike Mayers (Ole Miss), Tyler Raymond (Kentucky), and Ben Bokor (Ohio State)

This season, Murray hit just under .400 with four homeruns and 24 RBIs.

During the summer, Murray plays for the Ohio Elite (Valentine). This fall he will be joining Brian Hopkins on the Midwest Redbirds (St. Louis Cardinals? scout team).