West whispers: Carlisle a mystery

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Amir Carlisle sure knows how to keep things interesting.

The four-star running back from Sunnyvale (Calif.) King's Academy committed to Stanford in June 2009 but has been recruited non-stop by other major programs since - and hasn't shied away from the attention.

Carlisle has made it no secret that he wants to investigate his options while committed to the Cardinal and earlier this season he took an official visit to USC. The Trojans greatly impressed him and could be an option not only because of their football prowess but because Carlisle is considering a future in acting.

So don't count out the Trojans yet.

To add even more excitement to Carlisle's recruitment, Notre Dame offered earlier this week. Carlisle camped in South Bend this summer and is intrigued because the Irish like him at running back and wide receiver, which means he'll have the ball in his hands a lot.

Because Carlisle is such a playmaker and has great athletic ability, there's a good chance he could play early at Notre Dame.

Official visits to California and Maryland might also happen but both programs are considered to be a long shot. Don't count out the Terrapins just yet though because his father, Duane Carlisle (the head strength and conditioning coach of the San Francisco 49ers), ran track at Maryland.

An official visit to Stanford in January is also expected. One of the holdups, according to a source, with him firming up his commitment is the constant rumors that coach Jim Harbaugh could leave for another job.

Serra making news

The rumors surrounding Gardena (Calif.) Serra teammates George Farmer, Marqise Lee and Jason Gibson never seem to end so here's a fresh recap on the latest rumblings about three of the top uncommitted players in Southern California.

USC still remains the favorite for Farmer, a five-star wide receiver, but don't count out Oregon just yet. The Ducks are pushing hard for Farmer and Lee, a four-star athlete who keeps climbing the rankings.

Reports that Farmer and Lee are set on playing in college together are a little overblown, according to a source. Lee still wants to leave Southern California and with his athleticism and playmaking ability could be a perfect fit at Oregon. Apparently, that's what the Ducks are selling.

Miami has been mentioned by Lee and Florida is seemingly in the mix but does Lee want to travel that far to play? That could be a problem.

Farmer planned to wait until the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January to announce his decision - and that still might happen - but he's grown weary about the recruiting process and might announce sooner.

We still believe Farmer has USC as his leader. Lee is a wild card. If they absolutely want to play together - which we're not sold on - would Lee be willing to stay in-state and play for the Trojans? Would Farmer be willing to leave? Oregon is gaining ground for both, according to a source, but it's still tough to tell where things are headed.

As for Gibson, Cal and UCLA are believed to be the frontrunners. Gibson has said all along that the Golden Bears and Bruins are his favorites even with USC and Oregon pushing.

Folsom kids breaking out

Folsom wide receivers Tyler Trosin and Kori Babineaux will be on the road this weekend as both take an official visit to Iowa State.

Babineaux, a three-star prospect, could be the bigger target for the Cyclones since he has them and San Diego State in his top two. Trosin, who has already visited Arizona State, is a two-star slot receiver who also has Oregon State and Washington State offers.

Trosin will visit Corvallis at some point but hasn't determined his final two trips, according to a source. He is expected to take all five visits. This will be the first trip for Babineaux, who will see San Diego State before making his decision.

Despite recently picking up an offer from USC, a source said Patrick OnwuasorClick Quick hitsHere to view this Link. is probably not going to end up with the Trojans because they like him as a defensive back and he is set on playing wide receiver.

Four-star defensive end Greg Townsend Jr.Click Despite recent reports, Saginaw (Mich.) four-star wide receiver DeAnthony ArnettClick That's good news for Arizona and Nebraska, the top two teams vying for Onwuasor, a strong 6-foot-2, 190-pound three-star prospect from Inglewood, Calif.Here to view this Link. is still strongly considering Cal. His brother, Ralph, told Rivals.com writer Josh Helmholdt that Arnett's visit to Cal was better than his trip to USC. The Golden Bears and Trojans, along with TennesseeClick That's good news for Arizona and Nebraska, the top two teams vying for Onwuasor, a strong 6-foot-2, 190-pound three-star prospect from Inglewood, Calif.Here to view this Link., Michigan StateClick That's good news for Arizona and Nebraska, the top two teams vying for Onwuasor, a strong 6-foot-2, 190-pound three-star prospect from Inglewood, Calif.Here to view this Link. and a surprise school are still in contention.Here to view this Link., out of Beverly Hills (Calif.) has narrowed his list to USC, Washington and TCUClick Despite recent reports, Saginaw (Mich.) four-star wide receiver DeAnthony ArnettClick That's good news for Arizona and Nebraska, the top two teams vying for Onwuasor, a strong 6-foot-2, 190-pound three-star prospect from Inglewood, Calif.Here to view this Link. is still strongly considering Cal. His brother, Ralph, told Rivals.com writer Josh Helmholdt that Arnett's visit to Cal was better than his trip to USC. The Golden Bears and Trojans, along with TennesseeClick That's good news for Arizona and Nebraska, the top two teams vying for Onwuasor, a strong 6-foot-2, 190-pound three-star prospect from Inglewood, Calif.Here to view this Link., Michigan StateClick That's good news for Arizona and Nebraska, the top two teams vying for Onwuasor, a strong 6-foot-2, 190-pound three-star prospect from Inglewood, Calif.Here to view this Link. and a surprise school are still in contention.Here to view this Link.. Our guess is that the Huskies are outside looking in and that the Trojans are in a good spot.

Bryce TreggsClick Townsend's father played in the NFL and at TCU so that's why the Horned Frogs are still in the running. But even before the Los Angeles NIKE Camp last spring, Townsend said he liked USC more than any other school.Here to view this Link. is one of the best wide receivers in Southern California for the 2012 class and the Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco prospect is starting to pick up more offers. UCLA and San Jose State are his most recent offers, to go with Stanford and Arizona State.

Ohio StateClick The team to watch here, though, is Cal. His father, Brian, played for the Golden Bears and Treggs has already taken an unofficial visit there. A source said he's hoping for a Cal offer soon and that it could be a favorite if it comes.Here to view this Link. fans might be a littler perturbed. Standout 2012 tight end Taylor McNamaraClick The team to watch here, though, is Cal. His father, Brian, played for the Golden Bears and Treggs has already taken an unofficial visit there. A source said he's hoping for a Cal offer soon and that it could be a favorite if it comes.Here to view this Link. from San Diego (Calif.) Westview was so close to committing to the Buckeyes until he decided to wait things out - and now Arizona keeps moving up for the 6-foot-5, 235-pound recruit.

Four-star defensive end Todd BarrClick McNamara loves the way the Wildcats used Rob Gronkowski at tight end and thinks he can be utilized the same way. Ohio State, Arizona and Florida State are three early favorites.Here to view this Link. out of Lakewood (Calif.) was so close to committing to Cal on his recent visit but decided to hold off and take the rest of his visits. According to a source, the Golden Bears like their position with Barr and Gibson but things could get tenuous if losses mount the rest of this season.

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