West Four-Cast: News, predictions on top prospects
There are still a bunch of top prospects in the West region who have not committed. Here is the latest on four of the biggest names left on the board:
REGIONAL FOUR-CASTS: Mid-Atlantic | Midwest | Southeast
The situation: The top-ranked offensive tackle in this class is mainly focused on a few schools and could be ready to make a decision after a couple more official visits. Sarell is expected at Notre Dame this weekend for the Stanford game and then is looking to visit Alabama the following weekend for the Texas A&M showdown. Then it could be time to make an announcement.
The favorite: Stanford
Sarell has visited Stanford, loves the atmosphere there, the academics and athletics mix seems to be what he’s looking for and the Cardinal continue to be the favorite heading into this last round of visits. It’s no coincidence Sarell took an unofficial visit to Washington when Stanford visited and he’s visiting Notre Dame for, yes, the Stanford matchup.
The other option: Washington
The resurgence of the Huskies program – plus the location – could be interesting factors especially if Sarell’s recruitment drags on through his senior season. There is no question Washington’s outstanding season is playing a big role for many recruits out there and if Sarell decides to hold off on a commitment then the Huskies could move up.
But don’t count out: Notre Dame, Nebraska
Sarell has already visited Nebraska and loved the experience in Lincoln. If Notre Dame blows him away then there is a chance for the Irish but it definitely looks like the five-star offensive tackle is going to end up somewhere in the Pac-12.
The situation: The five-star receiver is working through his official and unofficial visit schedule with trips in the books to Nebraska and Oregon. He’s still looking at Oklahoma for a trip and possibly one to Washington. USC and UCLA are expected to keep getting unofficial visits. According to sources, Lewis is nowhere near making a decision.
The favorite: USC
When it comes to anything revolving around Lewis’ recruitment it’s a complete guess at this time because not even the five-star is certain of much. I do know this though: Lewis’ high school is only a couple miles from the Coliseum, the Trojans have done a tremendous job recruiting hometown players, especially at wide receiver and that all could play a major factor as the five-star continues to work through his recruitment. However, it has been said many times that the most important things for Lewis will be his relationship with his position coach, the chance at early playing time and what quarterback and wide receiver commits each school gets, so those will be things to watch.
The other option: Nebraska
Lewis has loved all of his visits to Lincoln and that could be a tremendous factor as he works out which program is best for him. With four-star quarterback Tristan Gebbia committed, Lewis is familiar with his skills and Lewis has the ability to step in immediately and be a huge player in the Huskers’ offense. Lewis and his Hawkins coaches love Nebraska’s coaching staff, so all things are positive for the Big Ten squad.
But don’t count out: Washington, Oklahoma, Alabama, Oregon and others
Lewis’ recruitment is just too early to call. The five-star has taken a couple visits and more should be coming in the next few months. It looks like this will take until around National Signing Day to figure out. Lewis is focused on schools that have or have landed top quarterbacks, his relationship with position coaches and the opportunity to play early. Those will be heavy considerations moving forward.
The situation: After visiting Boise State in recent weeks, the four-star receiver said the Broncos were his favorite, but that he was still closely watching Oregon because he felt the Ducks were close to offering. Earlier this week, Oregon offered.
The favorite: Boise State
Thompson loved his trip to Boise State and has the ability to immediately play in the Broncos’ offense. Those could be huge selling points for Boise State moving forward and that could be enough to convince Thompson that it’s the right program.
The other option: Oregon
And then there are the Ducks. Thompson has not kept it a secret that he’s highly interested in that program, the offense seems to fit his style and the campus, facilities and gameday environment speak for themselves. The four-star will be taking an official visit to Oregon soon. That trip will be a huge deciding factor on which program is better.
But don’t count out: A big offer outside the West region
Thompson has said numerous times he’s openly leaning toward leaving the West to play college football, but the right offer has to present itself. Some Big Ten, Big 12, ACC and SEC programs have been recruiting him. If one of those programs comes through with a big offer and he takes a visit, things could get even more interesting.
The situation: Jackson is a four-star prospect from Denver Mullen who’s rated as a safety but will almost certainly move to outside linebacker in college. Big Ten and Pac-12 teams have particularly caught his attention early on, but the four-star 2018 prospect probably won’t make a decision until after his junior season at the earliest.
The favorite: Ohio State
Jackson visited Columbus this summer and had an excellent experience at camp and was expected back for a game this season. The four-star said the Buckeyes are out in front mainly because they have recruited him the hardest and that’s something he’s looking for. Plus, Ohio State likes him at outside linebacker and that’s where he wants to play.
The other option: Nebraska
But don’t count out the Huskers. The Nebraska coaching staff has been coming hard after Jackson through his junior season and the Denver Mullen standout is taking notice. He has length like Lamar Jackson and the skill and physical ability to move down and play linebacker immediately in Lincoln.
But don’t count out: Pac-12 schools
Washington, UCLA and Colorado would probably be the three biggest threats to those two Big Ten schools. With the Buffaloes playing so much better, staying in-state could be an option. The Huskies could become a major contender, especially because they’re playing great as well. The recent UCLA offer was also big for Jackson but it seems like he’s more focused on Ohio State and Nebraska at this point.
