Carroll has three on top

Oakland (Calif.) McClymonds offensive lineman Allen Carroll is getting closer to setting up his first couple of visits. He'll take the SAT in a few weeks and then will start the process of getting his trips in order.

Carroll, 6-4, 290 pounds is among the top offensive line prospects in the West region. He plays tackle at the high school level but likely projects as a guard in college. He's a three year starter for McClymonds and earned 1st team all-state underclass honors last season.

On the recruiting front, Carroll has offers from schools all over the region but it appears three schools are leading the pack right now.

"I haven't set any visits but I have a good idea where I'll be taking them," Carroll said. "First, I need to take the SAT and I'm doing that November 3. All of these schools said I need to get my score before they can trip me in.

"I want to take all five if I can but the ones I know I'll visit are Washington, Arizona and UCLA. I'm also looking at Oregon, Washington State, Arizona State and Nebraska."

Carroll talked a little about what he likes about each of his three favorites.

"With Washington, I really like Coach Willingham a lot," Carroll said. "He's a real cool guy and I like where the program is going. Jake Locker is a great young quarterback and he's the kind of guy you can build a team around.

"At Arizona, they have a great staff and I've gotten really close with Coach Kish. They were one of the first schools to offer me and have been recruiting me hard for a long time.

"UCLA is a real nice school and I loved my unofficial visit there in the summer. I love the area and the fact that it's close to home, but still far enough away from home where I feel like I'm going away to school.

"I don't have a leader right now. I think after I take my trips, then I'll have a better idea of where to go. I'm just looking for the best fit and where I'll be most comfortable. I'm hoping that on one of my visits, I'll just get that special feeling and know that this is where I belong, that's when I'll commit."