USC, Stanford or Michigan? Decision for 4-Star QB 'Coming Real Soon'

California 4-star quarterback K.J. Costello recently announced that USC, Stanford and Michigan are his top three choices. Following Sunday's Elite 11 Los Angeles regional, Costello said a decision is "coming real soon" and could be announced in the next couple of weeks.

"For the most part, I'm getting real close to a decision," Costello said. "It's kind of hard choosing from five or six schools. That's why I narrowed everything down to three where I feel I can play and be happy."

Costello said all three schools have their advantages and choosing a winner has been "the hardest decision of my life." USC is the school closest to his home in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, but, per his 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions, Stanford is the favorite to land him.

Costello said he's attended USC games since he was five years old. He's a Trojans fan, but he added that being a fan has nothing to do with making a choice for his future.

"Coach Sark [Steve Sarkisian] is an offensive guy. I feel like I connect with them on the offensive side," Costello said. "He brings that uptempo style out of the gun with insane athletes on the perimeter. I've been to some practices, and they're getting a lot done on a day-to-day basis. He's doing a great job."

Costello added that he likes the academic reputation USC has. From an academic perspective, few universities can compare to Stanford's prestige. Costello said that Stanford's football reputation is beginning to catch up to its academic reputation, which makes the school an attractive option.

Stanford was the first school to communicate with Costello, back in his freshman year. He called Stanford a "package deal," in reference to playing football and getting a good education.

"Stanford is top of the line with the education and with football," said Costello, who has an interest in majoring in either business or engineering. "I just want to align myself with great people when I'm finished with football. Stanford's a great place to do that."

Many believe the race will come down to the two California schools, but Costello said Michigan is very much alive and shouldn't be considered a dark horse. He took an unofficial visit to Michigan during the summer.

Being coached by Jim Harbaugh is something that Costello has thought about. He added that he's heard from Harbaugh almost as much as he's heard from quarterbacks coach Jedd Fisch.

"He's a coach I have a ton of respect for," Costello said. "I watched him in the NFL. He's an intense guy, and I like his style. I think he can turn the program around in two years."

Costello said all three schools fit well, and he said a decision will come when it becomes right in his head. It's a decision he said he has to make without emotions involved.

"The past month or so, I wake up with a different school on my mind, and I'm ready to commit that day," Costello said. "It's an emotional rush. I can't just say 'yes' and get it over with. I want to make a good decision.

"It could happen this week, maybe next week. If I wake up three or four days in a row with the same thought, I'm going to pull the trigger."

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