Christian Kirk Sets Decision Date: Which Program Is Best Fit for 5-Star WR?

One of the nation’s most explosive playmakers will come off the market on Wednesday when 5-star receiver Christian Kirk makes his commitment, per Rob Cassidy of Rivals.

According to Keith Niebuhr of 247Sports, Arizona State, Auburn and Texas A&M are believed to be the finalists for the 5’10”, 191-pound Arizona speedster.

Regardless of where he ends up, Kirk is a threat to change the numbers on the scoreboard anytime he touches the ball.

But which program among his final group is the best fit for the nation’s No. 4 wideout in the 2015 class?

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Arizona State

All three of Kirk’s potential landing spots offer their share of positives.

In the case of the home-standing Sun Devils, adding the dynamic Kirk would help mitigate the potential blow of losing All-American (h/t ESPN) wideout Jaelen Strong—who is a candidate to forgo his final season in favor of entering the 2015 NFL draft.

In fact, Kirk told Taylor Hamm of GigEm247 (subscription required) that replacing Strong is part of the Sun Devils’ pitch to him.

“ASU, with the season they are having, they are really pushing the fact they can compete at the top level,” Kirk told Hamm. “They are not the ASU they once used to be. They feel I can step in and take over for Jaelen Strong.”

Todd Graham and the Sun Devils have also put together a class that ranks among one of the best in the Pac-12.

The Sun Devils have a stud quarterback committed in 4-star passer Brady White, and Graham and his staff are in good position with White’s prep teammate and 4-star receiver Trent Irwin.

Adding the state’s top prospect would ensure that the Sun Devils arsenal is well-equipped to be one of the nation’s most potent offenses in the country for years to come.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Auburn

In recent years, Gus Malzahn’s offenses have been more prolific on the ground than through the air.

However, in 2014, the Tigers enjoyed their best season through the air since Cam Newton led them to the national title in 2010.

With Sammie Coates already announcing his intention to turn pro, and Duke Williams a candidate to follow suit, the Tigers depth chart is appealing for a player such as Kirk to step in right away.

Additionally, Malzahn has proven his acumen as one of the brightest minds in all of college football with his body of work as a coach and coordinator on the Plains.

There’s no doubt that he could put Kirk’s expansive skill set to use in the nation’s toughest division.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Texas A&M

Similar to Malzahn, Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin has found success with his high-powered offense since he arrived in College Station.

In the two seasons prior to the 2014 season, the Aggies offense finished in the top five nationally in total offense.

While they took a step back this year, Sumlin’s offense is still friendly to receivers. This season, four different receivers caught at least 40 passes, according to CFBstats.com.

Additionally, Sumlin has stockpiled some of the nation’s top offensive talent in recent classes—including landing 5-star passers in each of his last two classes.

However, per Ourlads, the Aggies have only one senior receiver on their depth chart. Plus, they also landed a number of talented receivers in the 2014 class—including former 5-star standout Speedy Noil, who is a similar prospect to Kirk.

Final Choice

Kirk’s final choice will boil down to what criteria he places importance on.

He shed some insight on the factors he will heavily weigh when he spoke with Hamm (subscription required) in late October.

"

I think the big thing is where I can go in and play early and make an impact as a true freshman. Just the scheme, and me being developed as a receiver, I think those are the two big factors right now. Up to this point, my comfort level is high with all these schools. I’m familiar with all the coaches, I’m familiar with all the players, so now it’s about where I can go in and play and get developed as a receiver.

"

Considering Arizona State offers him a chance to play early in a powerful offense, Kirk’s best opportunity may lie within his home state.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.