Wilbon narrows his list to five

Chicago De La Salle's Mikale Wilbon is the Midwest's highest ranked running back in the 2014 class, and his recruiting picture became more clear when the four-star back announced a top five on Wednesday.

The five schools on Wilbon's list, in order, are Vanderbilt, Arizona State, Iowa, Cincinnati and Missouri.

"I think this is going to be the final five," Wilbon said. "I don't think any teams are going to move in."

The 5-foot-9, 190-pound Wilbon went through and broke down what it was about each of his final five schools that earned them a place on his list:

Vanderbilt - "I had visited in February and they didn't offer then, but when I got back to Chicago some days later they had offered. The program is on the rise and it is a good coaching staff.

"Then, they started communicating with me more. Coach [James] Franklin even is recruiting my mom and she really loves it. She really wants me to go there. Coach Franklin seems like a good coach, and a good family-oriented guy. Coach [Ricky] Rahne came to my school today and watched me work out. They liked how I compete."

Arizona State - "They were one of the earlier offers and Coach Chip Long has been talking to me almost every day. I talk with most of their coaches - the head coach, the offensive line coach, the offensive coordinator - so I have a good relationship with all of them."

Iowa - "Iowa was the second team that offered me, so I have been knowing their coaching staff since the beginning and we have a good relationship. I even talk with the head coach. It is a good coaching staff and a good running game with a good offensive line. It was a good fan base when I visited too."

Cincinnati - "I basically talk to all of their coaches. They had offered me recently and it was a special offer. I like the way they communicate with me."

Missouri - "They just offered and I have been talking to Coach [Brian] Jones, the running backs coach. I have been talking to him for a couple months now and I have a good relationship with him."

The process of taking this top five down to a final school that he will make a commitment to is still a process that is ongoing for Wilbon.

"I'm not sure yet, but I think I might announce at the beginning of the season," Wilbon said.

Wilbon is ranked as the No. 151 player in the country and the No. 14 running back nationally. He played in just four games as a junior, but rushed for 863 yards and 13 touchdowns in that timespan.