Barnett has Big 12, SEC visits in mind

Jalin Barnett's two latest scholarship offers have his attention. There are no spring visits on his schedule. But when school ends and summer hits, Barnett has a couple of trips in mind.

Tennessee and Arkansas made things official with scholarship offers in recent weeks. And soon, the Lawton (Okla.) High School guard plans to return the good will by paying his way to check out the campus of each.

"I'm not doing anything until the summer, then I'm going to try to make it to Tennessee for sure. Arkansas, I want to take a trip there too. And I'm probably going to make it to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State again."

According to Barnett, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are pursuing him the hardest.

"Tennessee coaches really want to get me on campus there," Barnett said. "They seem really interested, and they've been in to my school to see me."

A four-star prospect, Barnett's commitment is certainly in demand. He currently lists 12 scholarship offers and plenty more schools are showing heavy interest. And while Barnett says the Cowboys' and Sooners' proximity to his Oklahoma-based family home will matter little to his decision, he's starting to form strong options on every involved school.

A cut could be coming and it could be coming soon.

"I'm thinking about deciding mid-season now," Barnett said. "I think it will be something like narrowing it down and then picking during the season."

Whenever it comes, though, Barnett's choice will be about more than football. He's not concerned with depth charts or the opportunity to play as a freshman. Style of offense is an afterthought as well. Barnett has other criteria in mind.

"I'm looking at the relatioships with the coaches," he said. "I just want great teammates and a great program - things that will help be better after college."