Recruiting notes: Holmes, Johnson updates

CALABASAS, Calif. -- Practice is in full swing in Southern California and games are only weeks away. There is plenty of recruiting news coming out of these workouts and Calabasas is one of the more loaded teams in the area. Here's the latest on some of its top prospects:

Holmes planning some trips

Darnay Holmes

Darnay Holmes has a top 10, but the 2017 five-star said the list is flexible and that he would absolutely love to hear from Florida State. The communication with the Seminoles has been limited, but if they reach out, Holmes would definitely take a serious look because he loves the defensive back tradition at that school.

As for the summer, Holmes took two trips to Stanford and one to Ohio State and those two schools seem to have captured a lot of his attention. Working with Stanford's coaches, especially position coach Duane Akina, left a huge mark on Holmes, who transferred from Newbury Park, Calif., to Calabasas for his junior season.

Some visits will be coming up as well. Virginia Tech recently offered and Holmes said he's headed to Blacksburg for the Hokies' matchup against Ohio State. Holmes' father, Darick, has a connection from their NFL days with Virginia Tech assistant coach Cornell Brown and Holmes said the Hokies are definitely creeping up his list.

Other visits -- including at least one to Stanford -- are expected this season. Alabama, Arizona, Miami, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Stanford, UCLA, USC and Washington round out the top 10.

Midwest favor for Brown

Jermani Brown

Ohio State really impressed 2017 four-star defensive back Jermani Brown this summer, but the Buckeyes have not offered yet. That's fine, since Brown is in no rush but he had an unforgettable trip and that could play a role as his recruitment continues.

What could also play a big role is that Brown is originally from the St. Louis, Mo., area and he wouldn't mind going back to the Midwest to play college ball. That's one reason why Michigan State, which has already offered, is intriguing him. Offers from Missouri and Michigan would be of interest as well.

Arizona State, Boise State and Utah are the three West schools that have captured Brown's attention so far.

Johnson Jr., staying busy

Keyshawn Johnson Jr.

Keyshawn Johnson Jr., has now visited all eight of his top schools and he said, "they were all amazing," so the 2017 four-star receiver is not narrowing down his list at this point.

His cousin, Michael Thomas, plays receiver at Ohio State and Johnson visited there this summer so that could be an interesting storyline to watch as his recruitment continues but Johnson is going to take his time with the process and doesn't plan to rush a decision.

"I know, and everybody else knows, they're going to be good for a while," Johnson said of the Buckeyes.

Johnson isn't sure about unofficial visits this fall -- he never hesitates hitting the road -- but said he could see a Nebraska game and an Ohio State game along with local trips to USC and UCLA.

Hightower eyeing SEC team

Brian Hightower

Tennessee still holds an early edge for 2018 wide receiver Brian Hightower, but he remains wide open to other programs and Nebraska seems to be making up a lot of ground.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound prospect really likes the Tennessee coaching staff, the possibility of playing in the SEC and the Volunteers' history and tradition.

With Nebraska, Hightower said he loved working out for assistant coach Keith Williams and the 2018 recruit added he loved his trip to Lincoln. The Huskers are definitely moving up and Hightower said he expects to take another unofficial visit there this season with some Calabasas teammates.

So far, Arizona State, Nebraska, Tennessee and Washington State have offered Hightower, who said UCLA is especially getting more involved and Washington is also showing much more interest.

More News & Notes

Nebraska commit Marquel DismukeClick Marquel DismukeHere to view this Link. is only planning one official visit this fall and even though he hasn't settled on a date, the four-star defensive back said his lone trip will be to see the Huskers.

Linebacker Alec StevensonClick Dismuke, a former California commit, flipped his pledge to Nebraska in June and said he's not considering any other programs. The four-star's only visit will be to Lincoln, so all signs point to his commitment being as strong as ever heading into his senior season.Here to view this Link. recently landed his first offer from Ohio and more could be coming soon. The Malibu, Calif., transfer is hearing from Wyoming, Hawaii and now BYU has gotten involved and Stevenson thinks with more exposure now at Calabasas that other schools could get in the mix soon.