By Zach Eisendrath

While still working on possibly adding one more player to his 2008 recruiting class, Tubby Smith has already landed a big catch for his 2009 recruiting class.

Royce White, a 6-foot-7 inch forward who played for De La Salle High School last season and will play at Hopkins High School next year, orally committed to the Gophers today. White is currently ranked 32nd in the top 100 players list accumulated by Rivals.com

This signing is a big deal to instate Gopher fans, and for good reason. White had over 20 scholarship offers on the table, including offers from Arizona, Michigan State, Texas, USC and border-rival Wisconsin.

Also, point guard Verdell Jones from Champaign Central is on campus today. There is a rumor going around that Jones - who has caught the interest of plethora of other schools including Indiana, Georgetown, Texas, and Kentucky - could commit to the Gophers this week.

If I hear anything else on that one, I'll keep you posted. Until then, I'm going to enjoy the warm sunny day. Take care.