The Longhorns added a seventh member to their 2011 recruiting class with the verbal commitment of power forward Jaylen Bond on Tuesday afternoon. The Philadelphia, Pa. native, listed at 6-foot-7 and 220 pounds, made the announcement via Twitter, saying “Just committed to the University of Texas, thank God for this opportunity!”

Bond should compete for playing time immediately because of the early departure of Tristan Thompson to the NBA. He had initially committed to play for Pittsburgh in April 2010, but because of a scholarship crunch decided to de-commit this March to play at a prep school. At Plymouth Whitemarsh High School near Norristown, Pa., Bond averaged 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks a game.

With the lack of depth in the Longhorn frontcourt, Bond could very likely become a key contributor to this year’s squad.

Although he is still technically committed to Pitt, Bond intends to enroll at Texas in the fall, and the Longhorns have until August 19 to figure out his eligibility. Pittsburgh still has to release Bond from the national letter of intent he signed in 2010 in order for the process to be finalized.

Printed on Thursday, August 4, 2011 as: Philly forward chooses Texas after breaking ties with Pitt