KeiVarae Russell (Everett, Wash./Mariner), the top running back in the Northwest region, said three schools sit at the top of his list right now.Russell is part of a strong crop of in-state players and is among the most heavily recruited running backs in the region. The athlete said that although three schools lead the way on his list, things could change. "Notre Dame, Cal and Washington are my favorites," Russell said. "Things could change, but I doubt it; and more than likely I'll be committing to one of those three. I don't have a leader among those three and there are actually things about each of those schools that stand out and make them unique."Russell broke down what stands out about his top three."With Notre Dame, the degree from there is lifelong and the alumni support is incredible. They really take care of their own there. It's also a football school with great community support and every game is on TV. I also like the chance to play early, as they don't have a lot of depth at running back right now."Cal sends running backs to the NFL every year and a degree from there is huge as well. I've actually always liked Cal and I have a good relationship with the running backs coach there. He knows what he's doing and is a very cool guy as well."Washington is the hometown school and my family could see me all the time. They're rising fast and have been bringing in some great recruits over the last few years. Sark [Steve Sarkisian] knows how to win and will continue to win as he brings in better talent, and I think I could play early there as well."Russell said he'll take official visits before he makes a commitment.Mickens excited by latest offer
Jaydon Mickens (Los Angeles/Dorsey) has really elevated his stock this spring/summer with several dynamic showings at various events. The early USC commit has established himself as one of the top receivers in the West, and it will be interesting to see whether he honors that early pledge come signing day."Cal just offered me," Mickens said over the weekend. "I actually thought they had offered already but it was never official until now. I've been talking a lot with Ashley Ambrose, who's recruiting me from Cal, and he put the offer out there, so that's exciting."I went to Cal's Junior Day and I like it there a lot. Plus I'm really tight with Bryce [Treggs] and it would be fun to play with him in college. Right now, I'm just going to play out the process and see where the best fit for me is."Despite his commitment to USC and the recent offer from Cal, Mickens said another Pac 12 school is recruiting him the hardest."Washington is definitely showing me the most love right now," Mickens said. "I talk with Demetrice Martin and Coach Sark all the time, and they really want me bad. They're aggressive recruiters and I like them a lot there. I'm going to take my visits and I'll visit UW for sure."