Options galore for Rivals250 DB

Oxford, Ala., junior safety Trae Elston already has offers from many of the country's top programs, but he apparently is nowhere near ready to pick a college, or even narrow his list of possible destinations.

"I'll probably [start doing that] after football season," Elston said.

Even though the 6-foot, 176-pounder, a member of the Rivals250 2012 watch list, claims to be "open," he does currently have three schools above the rest. Last month, he told AuburnSports.com his current favorites were, in order, Clemson, Auburn and LSU. On Sunday, he said his top three is "probably the same."

Elston visited all three programs last season. Here's what he said about each …

Clemson: "I like a lot about Clemson. I've been going to their games and I went to their camp. I'm real close with [co-defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach Charlie Harbison]. And it's close to home. If I go to that school, I won't have to go far from home."

Auburn: "I've been there to a lot of games. I like the atmosphere and everything. It's fun down there. And they won a national championship."

LSU: "They've got a good defense. I like their defensive backs coach [Ron Cooper]. I've been there for one game. It was good. I watched [cornerback] Patrick Peterson a lot. He's amazing. And I like his special teams skills."

Aside from the above schools, Elston has offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas Tech, UAB, UCLA and Vanderbilt. Additionally, Oklahoma and Southern California are showing serious interest.

Who's recruiting him the hardest?

"I'd say Tennessee and Oregon," Elston said. "Oregon came down a couple times."

Elston had plenty of junior day invites, but was unable to take any in. The reason?

"Track," he said.

This spring, Elston is competing in the 100 meters, 200, 4x100 and long jump. Athough he has run well in the 100 and 200 (his bests in those events are 11.2 seconds and 22.8 seconds), he calls the long jump his best event.

"I've done 21 or 22 feet," Elston said.