Auburn's running back of the future is officially signed. Michael Dyer, a consensus five-star recruit, faxed in his letter of intent, becoming the Tigers' highest-profile signee yet.

The 5-foot-8, 201-pound Dyer, who hails from Little Rock, Ark., is ranked by ESPN as the No. 1 back in the country. Rivals and Scout have him at No. 2.

Dyer's credentials are impeccable. He was the Arkansas' Gatorade Football Player of the Year, rushing for 2,484 yards and 31 touchdowns last year for Little Rock Christian. He shattered the state yardage record, finishing with 8.070 yards. He was also an Under Armour All-American.

He doesn't seem very big, but those size backs have been successful in college before. He should have an impact immediately and is a welcome signing after Marcus Lattimore chose South Carolina on Tuesday night.

Let's leave that talk for the experts, though. Here's Scout.com's Chad Simmons:

"Dyer is a top tier back and he brings a lot out of the backfield. He runs low to the ground so he is extremely hard to tackle. He gets a lot of yards after contact and he catches the ball well also. The questions are his blocking ability and he can work on his acceleration a little as well. His top end speed is good, but he can improve his explosiveness. Overall, he is an elite back ready to make plays."

And another take from Rivals' Barry Every:

• Speed: Division I Player
• Size: Blue Chip
• Strength: Blue Chip
• Agility: Blue Chip
• Elusiveness: Blue Chip

On the Hoof: Dyer is one rocked-up ball of muscle that can bounce off of defenders like a pinball. He is a slightly taller Joe Morris, a two-time Pro-Bowler in the mid-80s for the Giants.

Needs Improvement: Pinball backs like Dyer need to show they are flexible and always playing at their ideal weight in order to keep optimum speed and durability.

Most Impressive: Most big, thick backs are not as good of pass receivers as Dyer. His soft hands will help allow him to get more touches in space.

Conclusion: If he can pick up college blitzes as a pass blocker, he should see time early and often. He is a difference maker and he needs to touch the ball as much as possible.

And what highly-touted recruit would be complete without a highlight reel on YouTube. Check it out: