West Coast Four-Cast: Where will region's top prospects sign?
There are still many top prospects in the West that are uncommitted. With the high school season upon us, let’s take a look at where their recruitments stand as of mid-August.
MORE REGIONAL FOUR-CASTS: Southeast | Midwest | Mid-Atlantic
The situation: The five-star receiver is certain of official visits to Arizona and Nebraska and then Alabama, Tennessee, Oregon and Oklahoma are all possibilities for trips this season as well. Lewis, from nearby Los Angeles Hawkins, will also take unofficial visits to USC and UCLA before making a decision, which is not expected until at least after his senior season.
The frontrunner: USC
Lewis remains open to all the schools still recruiting him, and his relationship with position coaches will play a huge factor in his thinking, but the guess right now is that USC is moving up his list and could be the slight favorite. His high school is only miles from campus, he seems to be growing comfortable with the staff and a lot of top prospects from the city end up playing for the Trojans.
The other option: Nebraska
Relationships are going to be really important – as will the possibility of early playing time – and Lewis had a great summer visit to Nebraska that could carry over when it comes to decision time. Getting back to Lincoln for a game this season will be huge, and most important will be Lewis’ developing relationship with wide receivers coach Keith Williams. Lewis is headed back to Lincoln this weekend, another important step for the Huskers.
But don’t count out: Arizona
If Lewis is looking for a home away from home, close but not too close, in an offense that can deliver him the ball all over the field, then the Wildcats could be a serious contender. Plus, four-star teammate Greg Johnson is committed to Arizona already but Lewis will assuredly make the decision that he feels is best for his future.
The situation: Fresh off an impressive visit to Michigan, the five-star cornerback is definitely planning to take an official visit to Ann Arbor sometime before making his decision. Holmes is still looking at trips to Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Nebraska as his recruitment continues, but a local school might still have a significant amount of pull moving forward.
The frontrunner: UCLA
There is absolutely no question that Holmes has a lot of interest in the schools mentioned above, but there are still many things pulling him toward the Bruins. First, it’s close to home and that could play a real factor. Second, Holmes and his family are tremendously close to UCLA defensive backs coach Demetrice Martin, and that is certainly playing a role, especially as decision time gets closer. Plus, Holmes has the talent to be an immediate contributor all over the field for UCLA, so that could be something to think about, too.
The other option: Michigan or Ohio State
It seems like the Wolverines are moving up the charts for Holmes, especially after his recent visit to Ann Arbor where he hit it off with the coaches once again. Plus, with local prospects David Long and Dylan Crawford already with the Wolverines, there is some support already on campus. Ohio State is also seriously involved because Holmes sees tons of prospects from both Big Ten powers heading to the NFL.
But don’t count out: Nebraska, Notre Dame, Stanford
There are still a lot of moving parts in Holmes’ recruitment for sure, and so many more things could still happen. Some of the schools on this list will still receive official visits, which could sway things, and his recruitment should become clearer through his senior season.
The situation: Lindsey will announce his commitment on Aug. 22. The four-star receiver has narrowed his choices to Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oregon, Tennessee and USC.
The frontrunner: Ohio State
Ohio State’s Friday Night Lights Camp might have really sealed the deal for the Buckeyes, although some believed the Big Ten power was ahead for some time in his recruitment. Lindsey loved his trip to Columbus, hit it off with the coaching staff and an added bonus is that four-star QB Tate Martell, who used to live with Lindsey in Las Vegas, is firmly committed to Ohio State as well.
The other option: Nebraska
The Huskers have been definitely involved right at the top for Lindsey, and he has enjoyed his time in Lincoln. He worked out at Nebraska’s satellite camp in Southern California and has done everything to show them they’re in the mix. But Lindsey’s trip to Ohio State this summer for camp seemed to have tipped the scales in the Buckeyes’ favor.
But don’t count out: No, count them out.
Lindsey still has a top list of schools he will choose from. Trips to Alabama and Auburn this summer went well and others are definitely being considered, but it looks like Ohio State and Nebraska have emerged as the two strong favorites.
The situation: The former USC commit has taken a bunch of visits this offseason and a lot could still happen in his recruitment heading into his senior season. Some things have taken shape while others are still a major question mark for one of California’s top cornerbacks.
The frontrunner: Arizona
After talking to some people, it seems like Arizona is emerging for Graham. New position coach Donte Williams could be playing a factor here since he’s been such a tremendous recruiter during his time with the Wildcats and before that at San Jose State. The four-star definitely has the talent to step on the field early in Tucson and his recent visit there seemed to go really well.
The other option: Notre Dame
After Graham’s visit to Notre Dame in the spring, the Rancho Cucamonga star seemed enamored by all the Irish had to offer and how his experience in South Bend would be different than in high school, something he was looking for. That has seemed to slow down recently, but Notre Dame is still definitely being considered.
But don’t count out: UCLA, USC or a complete surprise
Graham has backed off his USC pledge already, so it seems like he’s going to take his time with his second commitment, so lots can still happen. UCLA has emerged as a team to watch out for, but the Bruins could be crunched for numbers at defensive back. The Trojans are still a possibility and had been more engaged with Graham, but it’s unclear if that ship has sailed. Plenty of teams are still involved, so the longer this recruitment goes, the tougher it will be to predict his destination.
