Top five uncommitted: West region
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The Skinny: The five-star wideout took his first official visit over the weekend to Washington and the Huskies have also been making a strong push for two other top recruits in Arizona -- four-star cornerback Byron Murphy and four-star athlete Chase Lucas, both of whom have stepped foot in Seattle this season. In the past, the three friends have talked about wanting to sign with the same program, but that scenario is no sure thing. Harry has trips lined up with Texas A&M (Oct. 16), which he'll visit with Murphy, and Oregon State (Oct. 23), where he'll go alongside Lucas and his current quarterback, Beavers commit Mason Moran. Chandler head coach Shaun Aguano told Rivals.com last week that his players intend to stop by the in-state schools soon, so Arizona and Arizona State are also real possibilities.
If today were Signing Day ... Harry would sign with either Arizona, Texas A&M or Washington, with the slight edge going to the in-state program. That's a very tepid prediction until he takes more of his official visits, but those three could be considered the frontrunners heading into the second month of the season.
3
WR
Westlake Village (Calif.) Westlake
The Skinny: Howard is arguably the top receiver in California this recruiting cycle and it looks like he is UCLA's to lose. The former Oregon pledge could visit Texas A&M for the Alabama game in the coming weeks and a trip to Notre Dame has also not been ruled out but there's no question the Bruins stand out most in his recruitment - and it cannot hurt that the UCLA offense is playing so well this season. Howard is supposed to take a visit to UCLA for its game against Arizona State this weekend and he might make his decision during that trip. If not, it might only be a matter of time.
If today were Signing Day ... UCLA would be getting one of the best receivers in the country and another tremendous weapon in the Bruins' arsenal. Especially after committing early to Oregon, it is unlikely that Howard would renege a second time on a commitment. UCLA is definitely in the lead for his services with USC as his second favorite.
4
CB
Long Beach (Calif.) Poly
The Skinny: Jones told TrojanSports.com earlier this month that Michigan, Texas A&M and UCLA were the three schools standing out most in his recruitment, and he mentioned it's unlikely he'll end up at USC, which signed the top prospects out of Poly the last two years in Juju Smith and Iman Marshall. Interestingly enough, the four-star cornerback saw his former teammates this past weekend when he hit the road for his first official visit to Arizona State. Jones also wants to visit Florida, which appeals to him given its history of producing top-tier defensive backs, along with Michigan and Texas A&M.
If today were Signing Day ... The Bruins would finally land the impact cornerback they have been coveting. Jones has had a hot-and-cold relationship with the Trojans throughout his recruitment, and UCLA would appear to have an edge at the moment. Still, he could be considered the most unpredictable recruit in Southern California this cycle and there could be a few twists and turns until he announces a decision.
5
ATH
Gardena (Calif.) Serra
The Skinny: Burton is planning a wide range of official visits over the next few months before making a decision. The four-star, who could play receiver or safety in college, missed his first official visit to Ohio State but he will reschedule probably for the Michigan State game. The Serra standout has also booked trips to Alabama, Florida State, Notre Dame and Oklahoma in the coming months. UCLA is also really high on Burton's list and a number of sources have said that the Bruins are the quiet favorite in Burton's recruitment.
If today were Signing Day ... Burton would most likely sign with UCLA and stay closer to home. The Bruins have talked about using him in all three phases as a receiver, safety and return specialist and that's appealing. Plus, sources close to Burton are not convinced he's all that sold on leaving home for college. He is a close friend of FSU commit Malik Henry so that could play a factor but the Bruins look strong at this point.
There are two players in the West committed to Pac-12 schools who are not as solid as they once seemed and might be looking around despite making verbal pledges.
1
LB
Torrance (Calif.) North
The Skinny: The five-star prospect committed to USC in January and then saw the Trojans haul in their best linebacker class in years on National Signing Day, opening the window for other programs to jump into the chase. Juarez attended UCLA's win against BYU and told Rivals.com he would probably make it to the Rose Bowl this coming weekend for the Bruins' matchup against Arizona State. Oklahoma, meanwhile, sent linebackers coach Tim Kish to watch Juarez play last week and the physical athlete has scheduled a trip to see the Sooners the weekend of Nov. 20 for the TCU game. Visits to Michigan and Ohio State are also on the itinerary, so the Trojans certainly have their work cut out for them in the coming months before Juarez announces a final choice at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January..
If today were Signing Day ... Juarez would flip to the Bruins. Assistant coach Scott White has done a tremendous job recruiting Juarez and his family, and Jim Mora also made a big impression while hosting the group at camp this past summer. Juarez wants to see what football is like outside of Southern California, but this is shaping up as a classic UCLA-USC battle.
2
DE
Gardena (Calif.) Serra
The Skinny: Betiku committed to UCLA in early August and he has an excellent relationship with the coaching staff especially assistant Angus McClure. That will be a major selling point as Betiku goes around the country on official visits with likely stops at Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Florida State and possibly Florida and Tennessee. The four-star defensive end is only in his second year of playing football so he's completely new to the process and hasn't seen many schools around the country. Taking trips will offer Betiku an opportunity to tour other places to see what he likes most.
If today were Signing Day ... Betiku would sign with UCLA. Sources say the four-star enjoys living in Los Angeles and his comfort level with McClure and the other UCLA coaches is just too high to believe he would flip to another school. He doesn't have incredible ties to any region since he's originally from Nigeria but he has friends in the L.A. area, he loves UCLA and the Bruins will almost certainly hang on to him.
Adam Gorney
National Recruiting Analyst
Blair Angulo
West Recruiting Analyst