
Odds 4-Star DE Porter Gustin Ends Up at USC, Notre Dame, Ohio State or ASU
If you didn't know who Porter Gustin was before the U.S. Army All-American Game earlier this month, he made sure you won't forget him afterward.
Gustin returned an interception for a touchdown in the second quarter and also added a sack to help the West defeat the East 39-36 in San Antonio. The 4-star linebacker and the No. 2-ranked player in the state of Utah is extremely athletic and versatile enough—and fast enough—to play either outside linebacker or defensive end at the next level.
In short, Gustin was impressive. And as of Monday, he's still available.
A top-50 player in 247Sports' composite rankings, Gustin is preparing to finalize his college plans, and USC, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Arizona State all appear to be in the running. Most believe the 6'5", 245-pound defender will end up in California at USC, but the race may be a little closer than many expect.
Let's have some fun and make some odds on where Gustin commits.
Odds for playing at USC: 3-1
It's no secret that Gustin really likes USC. According to Rivals.com insider Blair Angulo, Gustin has made unofficial visits in the spring, summer and fall. The Trojans hosted him the weekend of Jan. 16, and the comfort level was right where it's been in all of his other trips to California.
Gustin has had a great relationship with coach Steve Sarkisian, linebackers coach Peter Sirmon, defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox and recruiting contact Marques Tuiasosopo. Additionally, Gustin's been able to make friendships with current players and meet several Trojan commits and targets.
Would it be considered a major upset if the Trojans didn't land Gustin on Feb. 4?
Odds for playing at Ohio State: 4-1
One of the best closers in the recruiting game is Urban Meyer. It only helps Meyer that his Buckeyes are fresh off winning the inaugural College Football Playoff Championship. Meyer gets Gustin's final official visit this weekend, so expect the Buckeyes to put an all-out blitz on Gustin.
While USC may be considered a front-runner, Ohio State is a legitimate contender. According to 247Sports' Bill Kurelic, Gustin is expected to be joined in Columbus with multiple family members. If it all pans out, look for Meyer to not only close the deal with Gustin but also with every family member in attendance. Meyer and his staff are very good at that.
Odds for playing at Arizona State: 7-1
Arizona State is a spot Gustin could call home. Per Angulo, Gustin enjoyed his official visit over the weekend. Arizona State is a Pac-12 program on the rise hoping to build on a 10-win season.
The Sun Devils allowed 28 points and 417 yards a game, so there is room for improvement. Fortunately for the Sun Devils, the linebackers as a unit were very young. Unfortunately for Gustin, this could mean a battle royal of sorts, competition-wise, for playing time. Arizona State's 2014 roster featured 22 linebackers. Twenty-one were juniors or younger.
Additionally, the Sun Devils have three linebackers committed in the 2015 class—and one already on campus (junior college 4-star Davon Durant).
Odds for playing at Notre Dame: 8-1
Gustin's first official visit to Notre Dame took place in September. That's the good news for Irish fans.
The bad news: Gustin's first official visit took place in September.
Four months after that visit, Gustin has had time to compare Notre Dame with Arizona State and USC. While the coaching staff and the tradition of the program are likely both intriguing, it will be tough—but not impossible—for the Irish to win Gustin over.
Recruit rankings and information courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.
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