Top Schools to Watch After 4-Star Isaac Garcia Decommitted from USC

Isaac Garcia, a versatile class of 2016 standout, backed out of a longstanding commitment to USC on Monday, announcing his intentions on Twitter to explore options elsewhere:

The 6'4", 215-pound prospect initially pledged to the Trojans in September. He decommitted from the class just hours after 4-star quarterback Matt Fink jumped on board. 

Garcia, a fellow 4-star talent, has the potential to play on either side of the ball in college. Rated 21st nationally among weak-side defensive ends in 247Sports' composite rankings, he is also eyed by some coaches as a tight end candidate.

USC loses grips on one of the Northwest's most impressive rising seniors. Garcia stars at Bellevue High School, a national powerhouse in the suburbs of Seattle.

His skill set warranted an offer from Washington State as a sophomore, and other Pac-12 competitors are likely to come calling now that he's returned to the open market.

The Washington Huskies seem to be a squad that could make a strong play, as head coach Chris Petersen looks to protect home turf. The program is riding some momentum after producing three first-round picks in the 2015 NFL draft.

Each member of that trio—which consists of Danny Shelton, Marcus Peters and Shaq Thompson—played defense at Washington last season. The Huskies already hold a commitment from 4-star safety Brandon Wellington, who plays with Garcia at Bellevue. 

Peterson landed 4-star Bellevue offensive tackle Henry Roberts in his 2015 recruiting haul. 

Washington State also aims to seize a pledge from the in-state talent. It's pivotal for the Cougars to step up efforts when it comes to recruiting the region.

The program has signed just four top-10 in-state prospects since 2010, per 247Sports' composite rankings. It's a trend that needs to change for a program averaging three wins per year during the past seven seasons.

Attention is sure to come from beyond Garcia's home state, though it's likely to be centered in Pac-12 territory unless his game elevates to another level on the national radar this fall.

Stanford, Arizona State and Cal come to mind as possible landing spots for Garcia, depending on how the process continues to play out for each program in this cycle at defensive end and tight end. Things have been relatively quiet for Garcia since his commitment to USC, so the next phase of his recruitment may develop slowly as teams feel out an evolving situation.

We also wouldn't rule out a reconciliation with USC, where the plan is to sign multiple tight end targets next February. For now, however, the Trojans' 2016 class is down a man and Garcia can expect increased inquiries in coming months.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.