West has decision in sight
Lima (Ohio) Central Catholic defensive back Darius West was close to making his commitment last month before going on a run of new offers. Now, the four-star prospect has settled back into decision mode.
"I'm just ready to settle down and get real close with all the recruits that are interested in that school and start being a leader in my class," West said. "It's kind of overwhelming and I want to enjoy my senior season and put all my focus on [that]."
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The decision appears to come down to one of four teams - Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State and Wisconsin. West said those are the four teams at the top of his list right now, and he expects a decision to come within the next "week or two."
The newest addition to that list is Michigan State, which just offered West on Tuesday. The four-star prospect has visited the Spartans several times before, however, and they have his former teammate, Tyler O'Connor, playing quarterback in East Lansing.
"I was pretty excited and didn't expect it because they said they wanted to offer me on campus when I came down and do it face-to-face," West said.
Another more recent offer for West was Wisconsin, which came through within the last two weeks.
"Bret Bielema was recruiting me real hard before he left, but once he left it took awhile for me to get in contact with them," West said. "When they first contacted me is when they offered."
Kentucky is a school that has been near the top of West's list for some time, and he already knows many of the Wildcat's commitments in the 2014 class. Several of those commitments are in West's ear constantly about joining them in Lexington.
"Every day, all day… they don't leave me alone," West said. "I love it and it is real special how hard Kentucky hit Ohio football this year. It would be nice to be with all of them for the next three to four years."
"Coach Strong's passion is strong and he has loyalty to the program even though he's been there only a few years," West said. "He had [opportunities] to go to the SEC, but he turned it down because he stayed loyal to his recruits, all his other coaches and that is real special."
West is considering holding a public announcement when he is ready to make his decision, but has not scheduled anything yet. He does not have any other visits planned before he makes his decision.