Breakdown: Where will West's best commit?
Some of the top prospects in the West have already committed and shut down their recruitment, but many of the highest-level recruits are still going through the process. Here is a look at the top five uncommitted players in the West and where things could be headed:
The latest: The five-star cornerback and second-best prospect in the state of California said recently he’s planning to take official visits to Ohio State and Michigan and others are expected as well. Closer to home, UCLA and Stanford remain serious contenders and have been up there for a long time. He is especially close with Bruins DB coach Demetrice Martin, who is considered a family friend. Holmes has been to Stanford numerous times and has a ton of interest in the Cardinal. Nebraska could also get an official visit as Holmes has been to Lincoln often and has two Calabasas teammates committed there already. Miami and Tennessee could also get looks this summer. A late June decision was expected, but Holmes could wait through official visits to make a pledge.
The latest: Davis’ recruitment is shaping up to be a National Signing Day – or close to that date – decision. The five-star and top-rated offensive guard has only one official visit scheduled so far – to Alabama when it faces Kentucky on Oct. 1. Many others are expected as USC, UCLA, Ohio State, Stanford, Michigan, Notre Dame and others are still under consideration. Davis is expected to narrow down his list to five favorites any time and then he will schedule other official visits accordingly. There have been rumors that the Crimson Tide is the team to beat, but Davis recently dismissed those reports as untrue. Once Davis officially narrows his list and then starts taking trips a clearer picture of his recruitment will emerge.
The latest: For Lewis, finding the right position coach is of utmost importance in his recruitment. Early playing time will also be a major factor, but the five-star receiver is looking for a coach who can develop him and prepare him for even greater successes in the NFL. With that being known, that means Lewis is not a lock to any school and it doesn’t guarantee he ends up at his “biggest” offer school either. Along with a bunch of teammates, Lewis is expected to visit Oregon and Washington in the coming weeks. A trip to Nebraska is also expected sometime this summer. There is a good chance he’ll see Arizona (where teammate Greg Johnson is committed) along with Arizona State, and Lewis is planning to spend a couple days at USC, too. This is probably a recruitment that goes on for a while and it’s just way too fluid to make any sort of prediction.
The latest: Martell, who had been previously committed to Washington and Texas A&M, is now back open but days ago released a new “official” top seven. USC, UCLA, West Virginia, Cal, Ohio State, Miami and Colorado made the cut for the top-rated dual-threat quarterback, and the next steps will be interesting. Martell has the best relationship with new Cal OC/QB coach Jake Spavital so that level of comfort the two have together could be a factor. The four-star will visit UCLA and USC soon and could also get back out to Ohio State. There are some rumors that Martell is most interested in the Buckeyes, but he hasn’t confirmed that yet. As for a decision, something could come soon but probably later since this time the Gorman standout wants to make sure he’s making his final choice.
The latest: Sarell keeps relatively quiet about the recruiting process but this definitely looks like a three-team battle with Washington, Stanford and Notre Dame most seriously involved at this point. The 6-foot-7, 320-pound offensive tackle is expected to visit South Bend this summer and much more will be known about his thoughts on the Irish after that trip. If today was National Signing Day, it looks like Sarell will stay in the Pac-12 in a virtual tie between the Cardinal and Huskies. Stanford has had a great run of putting out top-end offensive tackles, but Washington is right down the road and that has to be playing a major role in his thinking.