7/17/2015 football Edit

West: Top 5 uncommitted prospects

Adam Gorney and Blair Angulo

Staff

The Skinny: Harry has visited a few schools on the West Coast and hasn't shied from identifying the likes of Texas A&M and Washington as programs that intrigue him. The five-star prospect is a top priority for Arizona and Arizona State, both of which have seen some of the top local talent leave the state in recent years. USC is another team to watch with Harry given that he enjoyed the visit to Los Angeles this past spring.

If today were Signing Day ... Harry would put on the Texas A&M cap. The Aggies have raided the Grand Canyon State the last couple years -- namely by adding quarterback Kyle Allen and receiver Christian Kirk -- and head coach Kevin Sumlin has his sights set on Harry and Byron Murphy, a four-star cornerback from Scottsdale (Ariz.) Saguaro, in this cycle. They want to play together in college, and though package deals hardly develop, this one has a realistic feel.

Tyler Vaughns

La Puente (Calif.) Bishop Amat

The Skinny: Vaughns has plans to announce his college choice in August before the season kicks off, and all signs point to childhood favorite USC being the school to beat. The Trojans recently landed a verbal commitment from high school teammate Trevon Sidney, who indicated he hasn't had to do too much recruiting to get his friend to join him in the recruiting class. Vaughns had considered visits to Alabama, Georgia and Oklahoma, but those might not happen before he commits.

If today were Signing Day ... Vaughns would pick the hometown Trojans. USC was the first to offer and Vaughns has visited campus frequently over the last couple years, building a relationship with assistant coach Tee Martin that he doesn't have with any other recruiter. The receiver spots in USC's class have all but filled up, too, creating more urgency for the state's top-rated wideout.

ATH

Brandon Burton

Gardena (Calif.) Serra

The Skinny: Burton has narrowed his list to seven in the last couple weeks and he has two important trips coming up soon with stops at Arizona and Stanford before his senior season. His plan is to take one official visit to a school in each of the Power Five conferences. It looks like Oklahoma, Florida State, Alabama, Ohio State and a school in the Pac-12 will get them. For now, the only official visit Burton has set up is with the Seminoles for early October.

If today were Signing Day ... Florida State looks like the team to beat for his commitment. Burton is a close friend of five-star quarterback commit Malik Henry, his father lives in the state of Florida and Burton just seems to have a whole lot of interest in that program. But do not be surprised one bit if the four-star athlete decides to stay home and go to UCLA, either. He stops by Westwood regularly, seems highly interested in the Bruins and could end up there, too.

Oluwole Betiku

Gardena (Calif.) Serra

The Skinny: Betiku has only been playing football for about a year but his recruitment has gotten so hectic he decided to just narrow his list to six schools and really focus on those. UCLA has a major edge at this point and it's big that the Bruins hired former Penn State coach Tom Bradley as defensive coordinator. LaVar Arrington is Betiku's legal guardian and Bradley coached Arrington at Penn State. The Nittany Lions are also under serious consideration but sources say Betiku might want to stay in California. However, Texas A&M and the others cannot be counted out this early either.

If today were Signing Day ... Betiku would sign with UCLA. The four-star defensive end loves Los Angeles and really seems to like the Bruins' coaching staff as well. That comfort level could play a huge factor as Betiku works through his decision. Penn State has a real shot but sources say Betiku would prefer to stay in California and that means UCLA is in a very good position.

The top-rated player in the state of California and one of the best from Oregon has already made their commitments but both could consider other schools. Here is a look at what they could be thinking over the next few months:

Mique Juarez

Torrance (Calif.) North

The Skinny: Juarez committed to USC in January and basically ever since then there has been talk that he would look at other programs and by no means is he a lock to the Trojans. The five-star and top-rated player in California was at the USC Rising Stars Camp but did not work out. The next day he and his family stopped at the UCLA Elite Camp and he worked out some. He was also spotted with his father talking at length with coach Jim Mora and a bunch of current players. Nebraska could also be a major player but sources say Juarez is leaning toward staying close to home.

If today were Signing Day ... USC and UCLA are vying for him and should be considered just about equals right now. Juarez wants to see how the Trojans utilize Su'a Cravens and their freshmen linebackers this season. He also will watch closely how Myles Jack is used and how first-year linebackers coach Scott White handles his first season. If Juarez had to sign with one team today, the guess would be he would end up with the Bruins.

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Lamar Winston

Portland (Ore.) Central Catholic

The Skinny: Winston committed to Oregon last week at The Opening over finalists Stanford and UCLA, choosing to stay close to home and joining high school teammate Brady Breeze in the Ducks' class. The Rivals250 prospect, though, has looming visits to see the Cardinal and Bruins in the next week, and has said he intends to continue listening to what other coaches have to say.

If today were Signing Day ... Winston would stick with his commitment to the Ducks. He and his mother grew very comfortable with linebackers coach Erik Chinander in recent months, and they got a better feel for the school's psychology department, which was a big plus. Stanford has the academic appeal and UCLA might be recruiting him the hardest of any other program, but Oregon's recent success could be too much to walk away from for Winston.