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West Region: Recruiting Four-Cast

Tyjon Lindsey
Tyjon Lindsey

Some of the best prospects in the West are already committed but there are plenty still going through the recruiting process. Here is a look at four of the best and the programs that might land them.

RELATED: Mid-Atlantic Four-Cast | Midwest Four-Cast | Southeast Four-Cast

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The Situation: Holmes got a jumpstart on the recruiting process by visiting schools all across the country over the last year so he has an idea of likes and dislikes. More trips could be coming with possible stops throughout the state of Florida this summer and a round of official visits coming up.

The Frontrunner: UCLA

To say Holmes has a leader would be inaccurate because a bunch of schools still have a serious shot at landing him. But the five-star cornerback could find it appealing to stay closer to home and play for a close family friend in defensive backs coach Demetrice Martin. UCLA does have some built-in advantages but it’s way too early to say the Bruins lead.

The Other Option: Nebraska

Holmes has been to Lincoln more than a handful of times and he’s planning to return for an official visit for the season opener against Fresno State. His Calabasas teammates Tristan Gebbia and Keyshawn Johnson Jr. are already committed to the Huskers so that could play a major factor.

But Don’t Count Out: Ohio State and Michigan

The five-star cornerback is planning to officially visit those two Big Ten powerhouses in the fall and that means the Buckeyes and Wolverines have a real chance at landing him. It will be interesting to see how that plays out especially if those trips go really well. Stanford is also a serious contender in his recruitment as the summer approaches.

The Situation: Lewis has not named any frontrunners yet and probably won’t until he gets a chance to talk more openly with position coaches across the country. Early playing time and the relationship especially with his future position coach will be the biggest factors in Lewis’ recruitment. Big schools are nice but relationships and playing time seem to be more important to him.

The Frontrunner: USC

This remains a complete guess because Lewis has not hinted at any top schools yet not until he gets to know the coaches better and takes more visits but some things do make sense here. The five-star receiver goes to school close to the USC campus, he’d be an immediate option as an outside receiver in the Trojans’ offense and he has a lot of connections to the area. There are plenty of other major contenders nationally so it’s still far too early to put anything down for certain.

The Other Option: Arizona

If four-star teammate Greg Johnson remains committed to the Wildcats, Lewis could definitely be intrigued by that situation. Tucson is far enough away from home but it’s still the Pac-12 so he’d come back to Los Angeles a few times throughout his playing career. Arizona’s offense is appealing to any receiver especially one like Lewis who could stretch the field and make plays.

But Don’t Count Out: Nebraska

Lewis is expected to visit Lincoln this weekend and receivers seem to bond well with position coach Keith Williams. If Lewis is looking for something completely different for college then Nebraska could definitely intrigue him. We all know the Huskers have had success in California and there’s no doubt they’re coming after Lewis, too.

The Situation: Lindsey is expected to make his commitment in late August and he has nine schools remaining on his list. The four-star speedster does not talk much about his recruitment but many believe there is one school way out in front although Lindsey has not blatantly come out and said that yet.

The Frontrunner: Ohio State

Lindsey had a phenomenal visit to Columbus this offseason where apparently he and coach Urban Meyer hit it off in a big way and Lindsey saw how he would be utilized in the Buckeyes’ offense. With former teammate and close friend quarterback Tate Martell now committed to Ohio State, it would be no surprise if it wins out in August.

The Other Option: Nebraska

There is also a lot of interest in Nebraska mainly because that coaching staff has shown a lot of attention and done so well with California prospects. Lindsey was at the Nebraska satellite camp in Oak Park, Calif., recently and got a chance to work closely with Williams and the other coaches.

But Don’t Count Out: Oregon and USC

Oregon’s offense fits Lindsey perfectly – just dump the ball off to him and let him make people miss or let him stretch the field and get him the football that way. It could be intriguing if Lindsey would prefer to stay on the West Coast since the Ducks fit his style. USC seems to be backing off Lindsey a little bit but if the Trojans push harder they could have a chance later in the recruiting process.

The Situation: The former USC commit has pinpointed UCLA, Arizona, Notre Dame and Oregon as the four schools to beat at this point in his recruitment but that could change later this summer after he visits Alabama. The Trojans are not necessarily out of it and they have been recruiting a little harder but those other programs are standing out.

The Frontrunner: UCLA

Graham’s sister is a track star at USC and playing in front of the home crowd could be ideal for the four-star cornerback if he decides to stay closer to home. He has the talent to see the field early anywhere he plays and the Bruins have done a really good job swooping in and landing top local players. This could make sense if the four-star decides to stay in Los Angeles.

The Other Option: Notre Dame

Graham had an eye-opening visit to South Bend earlier this offseason and the Irish continue to pursue the four-star cornerback. After that visit, Graham talked about how he’s looking for something completely different than high school when he picks his college and South Bend could be that opportunity.

But Don’t Count Out: Oregon and Arizona

It looks like UCLA is the team to beat with Notre Dame right there as well but the other two Pac-12 schools offer something appealing as well and if Graham schedules official visits there then things could get more interesting. The Ducks and Wildcats do have room to make up though in Graham’s recruitment.

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