Predicting the top options out West

Many of the top players in the nation, including the West have made early commitments in the 2013 cycle. There are still several high profile names left on the board, in addition to those uncommitted several have decided to keep their "options' open.

Despite taking visits, I expect Vanderdoes will sign with USC.

Here's the latest on where things stand on some of the top player's out West and who could end up the benefactor.

Inside the Top247

USC commits taking visits - It's been a banner year fro the Trojans in the class of 2013. A few of their commits including Eddie Vanderdoes, Chris Hawkins, Sebastian LaRue and Max Redfield are taking visits. The only team that could make a real run at Vanderdoes appears to be LSU. As for Hawkins and Redfield they will both visit Notre Dame at some point. Texas A&M and UCLA are in the hunt for LaRue. However I don't expect any of them sign anywhere else than with Lane Kiffin on national signing day.

Priest Willis flying under the radar - Willis cancelled his visit this weekend to Notre Dame but intends to make it up at a later date. LSU, ASU, Nebraska and UCLA also remain on his short list and it's anyone's guess where he'll sign. But if I were placing a bet today, I'd have my money on the Bruins coming up big by signing day.

Tahaan Goodman a future Trojan? - Not a lot of movement on the recruiting front for Tahaan Goodman at this time. It's widely speculated USC is likely the team to beat and I still don't see anything to change that position. The only difference could be if USC get's another commitment from Leon McQuay or another top-rated player possibly taking his spot. If that happens, UCLA and LSU seem to be the winner's of that scenario, and in the end, if Priest Willis goes Bruin, that has to help with Goodman.

Cole Luke - Perhaps an overlooked an not talked about option is top corner prep Cole Luke. Oklahoma, Notre Dame and Texas are on the short list at this time. Luke has done a pretty good job keeping things tight-lipped but it would appear the Sooners are the team to beat here. I'm not completely confident Notre Dame or Texas couldn't sneak in here, but for now I'm going to say he signs with Oklahoma where he visits on Oct. 26.

Isaac Savaiinaea - The Aggies appear to be a serious threat for the Stanford commit. Often times recruits who commit to Stanford early will take other visits in case they are not academically admitted. This is the case with Savaiinaea and his recent trip to Texas A&M grabbed his attention. It will be close to watch to see what develops with the talented linebacker. UCLA also remains in the hunt for the nation's No. 79 overall player.

Reeve Koehler - Fellow Hawaiin recruit Reeve Koehler might be a more clear picture. Koehler has long been high on the Vols and there is no indication that has changed. Tennessee is a pretty easy call here to gain a commitment from the nation's No. 157 player. The only real question is when.

Can Texas A&M lure Savaiinaea from Stanford?

Tyler Foreman - Foreman is a little tougher to gauge right now. Once again it would appear the Sooners are in a good spot with the talented safety. But it's hard to discount UCLA at the same time. Foreman is slightly overshadowed as a quality safety this year due to the fact that the West is stacked with elite talent at the position. It doesn't appear a decision is in the near future as a visit to Utah is slated for Oct. 26.

D.J. Martin - The one-time Cal commit continues to seek out his options. Off field issues and academics have marred his recruitment slightly to this point. ASU is showing interest and Cal is in the back of his mind, but don't be surprised if a school like Fresno State or San Jose State make a late play and wind up with a talented back in Martin.

Kevin Palma - Palma was very high on UCLA who have decided to back off. San Diego State and Colorado then became the front-runners until Stanford offered. The Cardinal made a recent offer and a commitment may not be far behind it.

Lowell Lotulelei - Lotulelei has been a ghost, maybe even a forgotten target. With the information available on him it would appear Utah might be the team to beat, but the confidence level in that claim is minimal at best.

Devon Allen - The Bruins made a huge impression on Allen with a solid visit a few weeks ago. Arizona State and Notre Dame remain in the hunt but the Bruins have done a great job positioning themselves well for the four-star pass-catcher.

L.J. Moore - Moore is a very fluid athlete with a great ability to press at the line. He will take some visits but Oklahoma, UCLA and Notre Dame appear to be on the short list. If I had to make my pick here I'd have to go with the Sooners once again, but it will be interesting how they fit all these defensive backs into the class.

John Johnson - Moore's teammate Johnson also has a similar list but I don't expect the two to end up together. The way I see it, Moore will end up at Oklahoma with fellow safety teammate Hatari Byrd and Johnson will blaze his own trail to UCLA. All are tremendous players and will be quality pickups for their respective schools.

Notes on several outside the top 247

With grades a concern, Mathis could end up a number of spots.

Joe Mathis - In one of the more fluid recruitment this year, Mathis could be anyone's guess. He highly favored Nebraska and USC for a long time. He has cooled on both since. The situation regarding his academics may play a role here. Meaning it may depend on a program being able to get him admitted when others can't. Schools like UCLA and Cal have some exemptions they can take each year and Mathis may fit into that role.

Thomas Duarte - Duarte has also kept things close to the vest but the feeling here is UCLA and Oregon may be in a battle. The Ducks have made a late run with Duarte and are giving the Bruins some serious competition. If Oregon fills up, it could be UCLA's benefit for the three-star prep.

John Ross - Ross recently took a trip to Oregon and raved about his trip. In fact he was very close to committing sources indicate. If he delays the Ducks may go another direction, which ultimately could be UCLA's benefit once again. Ross may take a visit or two before deciding, but don't be surprised if something happens soon.

Khalfani Muhammad - A positive trip to Notre Dame has the Irish in a great spot here. Muhammad has had a productive senior season and could be a real burner out of the backfield. His recruitment could be nearing an end and I like where Notre Dame stands right now.

Myles Jack - The UCLA commit will take some trips, most notably to Oregon. It would appear the Ducks and Bruins are head-to-head on a few players and Jack is square in the middle. His commitment seems to be soft as a pillow and several think the Ducks may be the team to beat. It's anyone's guess when a switch will be made, if he in fact does.