Two lead the way for Hughes

Casey Hughes is short of plans but long on ideas for the time being. The North Las Vegas (Nev.) cornerback holds nine scholarship offers. She hasn't planned a single official visit as of yet but has a good idea which two schools lead his recruitment.

As is a theme with Hughes at this juncture, his shortlist of favorites isn't set in stone. It certainly could change. Still, he doesn't mind making it public knowledge.

"I would say the top two are Oregon State and San Diego State," Hughes said.

Hughes will wait until the conclusion of his senior season to take official visits and says he intends to check out both of his current frontrunners at that time. His other three destinations are less certain. Utah is in the mix. As are Nevada, Oregon and Utah State. And if the latest schools to get involved in his recruitment pulls the trigger on offer, it will get a serious look as well.

"I'm thinking maybe Colorado should be offering me soon," Hughes said.

Buffs assistant Andy LaRussa is heading up the program's recruitment of Hughes. And, so far, Hughes likes what he's heard. An offer from CU could have an effect on his recruitment, at least for now, he intends to wait for an the official invitation before he reacts.

"They tell me about the school and all about the football program," Hughes said. "I'm learning a lot about that stuff, but that's all right now."

Purdue has also been in contact recently. For now, though, Hughes is concerned with the Beavers and Aztecs. He grew up in California and has plenty of family left in both the Los Angeles and San Diego areas. That combined with his bond with the San Diego State coaching staff has earned Rocky Long's program a spot at the top of his list.

And as for Oregon State …

"I like the coaches at Oregon State," Hughes said. "They're good and calm. They get a lot of players to the NFL and develop good kids."

Because of a delayed timetable for official visits, Hughes does not expect to make a verbal commitment until late December or early January.