Trent Irwin Reveals Decision Plans: Which Pac-12 Team Is Best Fit for 4-Star WR?
The race to land 2015 4-star wide receiver Trent Irwin is nearing its conclusion, as the standout pass-catcher revealed plans to make his commitment early next month, according to JC Shurburtt of 247Sports.
Shurburtt notes that his primary group of suitors includes Pac-12 members Arizona State, Oregon State, Stanford and UCLA.
The 6’2”, 190-pounder visited the Cardinal last month and also went to Tempe for the Sun Devils' big win over Notre Dame earlier this month.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
But which Pac-12 program is the best fit for the No. 9 receiver in the 2015 class?
Arizona State
If Irwin’s Crystal Ball page is any indicator, Todd Graham’s club is the prohibitive favorite for the speedy receiver.
There are numerous positives for Irwin should he choose the Sun Devils.
For starters, his prep teammate and 4-star quarterback, Brady White, is also committed to Arizona State.
According to MaxPreps, Irwin has hauled in 91 passes for 1,813 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Potentially teaming up with his buddy on the next level has to be appealing for Irwin.
Additionally, per Ourlads, four of ASU’s top seven receivers on the depth chart will be upperclassmen next year. Included in that group is Jaelen Strong, who is a candidate to leave early for the NFL draft.
An appealing depth chart and the chance to play with White for a program on the rise gives the Sun Devils a strong case to sell to Irwin.
Oregon State
Oregon State is another Pac-12 program among Irwin’s favorites, and Mike Riley is among the brightest offensive minds in all of college football.
The success of receivers such as Brandin Cooks and Markus Wheaton in recent years proves that the Beavers attack is friendly for playmakers such as Irwin.
However, among Irwin’s group of finalists, the Beavers seem to have the least amount of traction in his recruitment.
Per Ryan Bartow of 247Sports, Irwin stated plans to visit Corvallis last month. However, that trip has failed to materialize, and it’s unlikely to take place before he makes his decision.
Unless he has a change of heart in the next few weeks, it looks like the Beavers will be on the outside looking in for the dynamic pass-catcher.
Stanford
The team that Irwin mentioned to Bartow (per Shurburtt) is tied for the lead in his recruitment is Stanford.
Aside from the chance to stay in his home state and the noted academic prowess that comes with a degree from Stanford, choosing the Cardinal would have its benefits on the field as well.
Per Ourlads, four of the Cardinal’s top five receivers are upperclassmen—which would give Irwin a great shot to see the field early.
Additionally, Stanford has a pro-style offense with a promising young quarterback prospect in redshirt freshman passer Keller Chryst.
While the Cardinal’s offense isn’t as prone to air it out when compared to Irwin's other finalists, it has sent receivers such as Doug Baldwin and Griff Whalen to the NFL in recent years.
However, given that Stanford is ranked 85th nationally in total offense this season, per CFBStats.com, its struggles on that side of the ball this season may give Irwin some cause for concern.
UCLA
Of Irwin’s four finalists, UCLA has produced the most potent attack this season, as the Bruins rank 16th nationally in total offense, according to CFBStats.com.
Jim Mora’s club is also putting themselves in position to be a prominent power in the Pac-12 by faring well on the recruiting trail. The Bruins currently have the No. 18 class nationally and the third-best group among Pac-12 schools.
While the chance to play with White at Arizona State is attractive, the Bruins have the nation’s top-ranked quarterback prospect—fellow California native and 5-star passer Josh Rosen—heading to Westwood.
The UCLA campus is also a short drive away from his hometown in Newhall, California.
However, as illustrated by Ourlads, the depth chart isn’t nearly as favorable as it is with his other finalists.
Also, despite the close proximity to UCLA’s campus, Irwin has yet to take in a Bruins game this season—which hurts their chances of making an impression on him before his decision.
There are a number of positives with Irwin’s four finalists, as they all present their own unique opportunities for him to find success on the college level.
However, the combination of having a chance continue his connection with White, the pass-friendly system run by Graham plus the opportunity to contribute early is what makes Arizona State his best fit.
Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
