4-Star Jared Mayden Announces Top 7, Reveals What He's Looking for in a Program

On his 17th birthday, a day when he should have been receiving all the presents, 4-star cornerback Jared Mayden gave the followers of seven schools a small gift of his own.

Early Wednesday evening, Mayden announced via social media his top seven schools, consisting in alphabetical order of Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon and UCLA. The announcement was big considering the Sachse, Texas prospect entered the day with 45 offers, the latest coming from Georgia on Tuesday.

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I would like to thank all the programs that have offered me. And @DynastyPA and @Hayesfawcett3 for the edit pic.twitter.com/mzHDqbpfcP

— Jaredmayden II (@MaydenII) June 24, 2015"

Wednesday's announcement is the first of two between now and the second week of July for Mayden. The cornerback will cap his recruiting process with a verbal commitment to one of the seven schools at The Opening next month in Beaverton, Oregon.

Mayden said the seven finalists benefited from having great coach-recruit relationships. He's a player who didn't have one in-state school make his top seven, so having strong relationships with the coaching staffs was key.

"Those seven have been recruiting me since freshman year," he said. "I've been to most of the schools, and the visits have been really good. I feel really comfortable with all the coaches. I got a chance to meet a lot of people, and that's helped me in deciding where I want to go."

Mayden said of the seven schools, four have yet to be visited but will receive a visit between now and the end of the fall—UCLA, Michigan, Florida and Florida State. He will be a welcomed addition, wherever he ends up, as a 6'1" 190-pound cover corner.

And what will separate the eventual winner from the rest of his finalists?

"I think there are going to be more questions being asked, harder questions," Mayden said. "I want to see what the coaches are saying now. I want to see which coaches still really want me."

Mayden added he's called on his older brother, Rice wide receiver James Mayden, for advice regarding a decision. A couple of conversations with his big brother were rewarded with simple advice: Do what's best for you.

"He said to make the decision for myself, that's it," Mayden said. "The family won't be at college with me doing all the reps and going to school. You have to make the best decision for you."

Mayden admitted he is ready to end this process. He said the process, although fun, has made his days overwhelming. A player with 45 offers, Mayden said things got hectic after the first three or four.

But the stressful time is almost over, and at The Opening, Mayden said he'll be able to simply focus on enjoying his upcoming senior year. He's looking to choose a major in college; he said he wants education to be a minor.

"I'm just looking for a school that has a good tradition and stable coaches," he said. "I'm trying to go somewhere and win, but it's really going to depend on how I feel about the coaching staff."

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles.