Which Schools Hold the Edge in Chase for No. 1 All-Purpose Back Damian Alloway?

As the nation's No. 1-ranked all-purpose back, Fontana, California's Damian Alloway has his college options. He also has the recruiting world in the palm of his hand regarding when he'll make that decision.

March 23 was supposed to be the big day, as several members of the Ground Zero seven-on-seven team announced their verbal commitments. Alloway was expected to be a part of that group, but he changed his mind the night before.

"The real reason...I just felt like I wasn't ready," Alloway said. "I was on board with [committing as a group] at first, but when I started thinking about it, I thought that doing it later would be the best thing for me."

Four Ground Zero athletes announced commitments on March 23.

Lokeni Toailoa (a 4-star recruit and the nation's top-ranked inside linebacker) and 3-star Demetric Felton (the nation's No. 8-ranked all-purpose back) chose UCLA. Toailoa's brother, 3-star safety Leni Toailoa, picked San Jose State, while 4-star 2017 running back Stephen Carr ended his process early with a USC pledge.

And as they committed, there was Alloway in full support of his seven-on-seven teammates but sticking with his decision to wait to announce.

"I could picture myself with them, but overall, I knew I wasn't ready," he said. "I'm happy with my decision."

UCLA fans were hoping to score a recruiting trio rather than a duo on March 23. The combination of Alloway, Felton and Lokeni Toailoa would have meant four Ground Zero 2016 recruits committed to the Bruins (4-star inside linebacker Krys Barnes committed to UCLA on March 14).

UCLA still has a great shot at landing Alloway, but Cal is also a major contender in his recruiting race. Alloway said UCLA and Cal are his current top two schools, but that top two could become a top four—or more—with potential offers.

"In the next few weeks, I could get an Oregon offer and a Notre Dame offer," he said. "Those two could switch my recruiting process."

For now, fans of the Bruins and Golden Bears should like the positions their respective programs are in. He has built good relationships with both coaching staffs, and while UCLA holds the proximity edge over Cal, Alloway said he doesn't have an issue with going to school far away from home.

"With Cal, I like the way they use their slot guys," said Alloway, who excels as both a receiver and running back. "With the way they throw the ball and the way their offense is, I think it'd be a great fit. Plus, my grandpa really likes the education there.

"With UCLA, it's always been one of my favorite schools growing up. It's kind of my dream school. They don't really have a slot guy now, so I could help there. They've got [2015 signee] Josh Rosen, so I'd have a great quarterback if I do decide to go there."

Alloway added that he's been in heavy communication with both Oregon and Notre Dame, and both schools are supposed to stop by his high school for further evaluation.

As for a decision, Alloway said he's looking to end the process during the summer.

"I was hoping by June," he said. "If not June, then maybe if I'm invited to The Opening, I would do it there. If I'm not ready still, I could do it at an all-star game. I know I want to get to Cal and UCLA. I just want to make sure I'm making the right choice. It's a big decision."

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