Versatile 4-Star Porter Gustin Is Biggest Wild Card of 2015 Class

Standing at 6'5", 240 pounds, it's easy to imagine Porter Gustin making plays as a key cog within just about any collegiate defensive attack. When you throw in his ball skills and a 40-yard dash time that hovers in the 4.6-second range, there's a lot to like about a young man who may be best referred to as simply a "football player."

It's difficult to lock down just one position for the talented Utah prospect, so it's no surprise college scouts have differing opinions on where he fits best. 

"It seems like every school sees me playing at a different spot," Gustin told Bleacher Report during U.S. Army All-American Bowl festivities. "It can make it tougher to get down to a decision."

The Salem Hills High School senior remains uncommitted five weeks shy of national signing day, setting the stage for a frenzied final stretch. Gustin says a decision could occur before then, but his search for the right spot will likely to go down to the wire.

Gustin's status as an undecided recruit without a set position presents an intriguing storyline to follow for the duration of this recruiting cycle. Several teams are still in the mix, including a marquee program he's yet to visit.

One of six finalists for U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year honors, Gustin commanded respect on both sides of the ball this season. He dominated opponents as both quarterback and linebacker. 

Tackles	Tackles for loss	Sacks	Interceptions	Passing yards	Rushing Yards	Touchdowns
152	29	10.5	2	2,864	891	33

Gustin, who led his team to the state quarterfinals, was also named a finalist for Gatorade National Player of the Year, which was eventually awarded to Texas quarterback Kyler Murray. 

"It's been a lot of hard work on and off the field to get to this point," Gustin said. "It also helps having the right genetics from my parents."

His father was a starting quarterback at Wyoming, while his mother played Division I basketball after an All-American high school career.

Their athleticism has certainly seeped into the next generation. Gustin was one of 10 competitors who qualified to take part in the nationally televised SPARQ finals this summer at Nike's world headquarters, which put top prospects in a competitive combine setting.

His multifaceted skill set has several squads clamoring for a commitment.

USC and Arizona State are viewed as strong Pac-12 contenders, though the coaching staffs differ on how they'd prefer to implement Gustin. 

Arizona State views him as a "Devil backer," a position that challenges defenders to win with speed off the edge, chase down quarterbacks and occasionally drop back in coverage. 

"It's definitely a hybrid role," Gustin said. "Coach (Todd) Graham is defensive-minded and always blitzing. It's fun to play for a guy like that."

Meanwhile, the Trojans see him as an asset along the interior.

"USC mainly wants me at inside linebacker," Gustin said. "That coaching staff and team are headed upward, and it would be interesting to be a part of that."

Arizona State and USC each received unofficial visits from Gustin this fall. He intended to return to both campuses for official visits, but admits "time is starting to run out."

Ohio State is a university he absolutely plans to spend time at before signing day. Gustin hasn't been to Columbus yet but views the Buckeyes as an attractive option. 

"I like the way their coaches work with the team and obviously Ohio State has had a lot of success under coach (Urban) Meyer," Gustin said.

Naturally, the Buckeyes' projection of Gustin's potential varies from his West Coast favorites.

"They think I could grow into a defensive end role with time," Gustin said. "Otherwise, I would probably end up at outside linebacker."

Notre Dame is another team that believes he could flourish while firing out of a three-point stance. The Fighting Irish are targeting him as a defensive end and hosted Gustin for an official visit in September.

"The tradition there is unbelievable," he said. "I enjoyed my time at Notre Dame. It's a great place."

Gustin has been careful not to reveal a single favorite at this stage of his recruitment, though expert recruiting analysts project him to sign with USC in 100 percent of predictions.

Still, the situation remains a compelling unknown, just like his ultimate destination on the football field. 

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report national recruiting analyst Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted. 

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.