Lots of schools after Fanaika
USC and Oregon stand out the most to 2012 defensive tackle Brandon Fanaika from Pleasant Grove, Utah, but Stanford is right up there as well and Utah and BYU could be close to offering.
Things are already going well for Fanaika, a 6-foot-3, 293-pound prospect, who has early offers from Stanford and Utah State. He said the Cardinal is definitely being considered but he's going to take a close look at the program now that coach Jim Harbaugh left.
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"It's definitely a big loss now that coach Harbaugh is gone but you still have the education," said Fanaika, who's also hearing from Nebraska.
"Stanford is something you can't beat. Now that coach Harbaugh is gone that will definitely influence my decision. Their education is up there though but we'll see how it goes."
Playing in-state or leaving the state doesn't seem like a big deal to Fanaika, who believes Utah and BYU could offer soon. He plans to send out his junior season highlight tapes soon and both coaching staffs have shown interest.
Fanaika, who performed well at the U.S. Army National Combine, has also been talking with USC linebackers coach Joe Barry and Oregon offensive line coach Steve Greatwood and likes both Pac-10 powers very much.
"They've kept in close contact through e-mail," Fanaika said.
"I talked to coach Barry from USC and coach Greatwood from Oregon the other night. I just sent my highlight through e-mail and I asked coach Greatwood how the team is doing after that loss. We've been staying in real close touch."
Next up for Fanaika is a Football University camp in Las Vegas next month. Trips to junior days at Stanford and Oregon are also being planned. Since it's so early in his recruitment, Fanaika said he's just staying patient and hoping for more offers. He's in no rush to commit.
"Right now, I'm just a high school player," he said. "I'm going to see if I can pick up a few more offers so my options are a little wider."