Not a two-team race for Juarez

Mique Juarez has not finalized any official visits yet but it sounds like the five-star and top-rated player in California could be headed out-of-state for a majority of his trips.

That is especially important in his recruitment because it has long been thought that this is a battle between USC and UCLA for the Torrance (Calif.) North prospect. That might not necessarily be the case any longer.

"There's nothing official yet but he likes the middle-of-the-country group that he has in terms of visits," Torrance North coach Todd Croce said. "He likes Nebraska, he likes Michigan, he'll probably go to Notre Dame. I think he might be interested in going to Ole Miss. That's kind of newer.

"The two locals are still right there."

There will be plenty of factors in play as Juarez determines his college destination. While he remains committed to USC, the five-star has made it no secret that he will consider other programs. This fall will be crucial.

Juarez especially wants to see how USC utilizes Su'a Cravens and its loaded freshman group of linebackers. UCLA is also a very serious candidate in his recruitment and Juarez will watch Myles Jack and others in action.

And his official visits to those key schools in the Midwest, and possibly South, will now become even more important.

"It's going to come down to how the seasons go for the schools he's looking at and his experience on the trips," Croce said.

"I would say it's probably going to be narrowed down to one local and one school somewhere else and then make the decision based on that.

"He doesn't have anything against the two locals so he's happy with them but he's never really experienced life outside of here. He's kind of deciding and will have to make his decision on whether he wants to get away, will that be something better for him, to try to grow up right now and do it on his own or still have family pretty close."