Tate breaks down top six

Khalil Tate has a top six and the Gardena (Calif.) Serra three-star athlete is really focused on those programs moving forward in his recruitment.

USC, UCLA, Arizona, Boise State, Texas A&M and Nebraska are the frontrunners for Tate, who recently returned from a trip to Texas and the Midwest with his Team 19 7on7 squad.

"Those are the schools where I felt I would do best as far as me pursuing education and playing football," Tate said. "Those schools probably fit me the best."

Fresh off his recent trip, Tate said the Aggies and Huskers stood out most.

"I liked what coach (Kevin) Sumlin has done with the past quarterbacks he's had," Tate said. "That stood out to me. I like what they're doing with their program.

"I like what Nebraska sees in me. I like how when we went there it really wasn't just about football it was about the school, too, so I got to learn about the school. Before I went to Nebraska I thought it was in the middle of nowhere but it was a nice city. It's a nice fan base and a nice community around it. I like the new coaches."

Arizona and Boise State have been involved with Tate for a good while and the Wildcats especially seem to stand out after his visit last year. A return trip to Arizona - and one to Arizona State with the Team 19 guys - is expected soon.

"I've always liked Arizona ever since last spring when I visited," Tate said. "I plan on going down there again at the end of this month."

The local schools still have significant pull with the Gardena Serra standout though. UCLA did have the edge but after a recent junior day it looks like USC has pulled ahead in his recruitment.

"They're definitely in there, one of the top schools," Tate said of USC.

"Their junior day was very informative and it actually opened my parents' eyes as to what they do with the program. Before I probably liked UCLA more but after going to USC, it put something in my head that if I didn't play football it would really help me out."