5-Star Caleb Kelly Details Recruitment Status, Says a Change in Top 10 Is Coming

Being the top-ranked player in one of the nation's top college football recruiting states can hold a lot of weight, but Fresno, California, 5-star linebacker Caleb Kelly chooses to take everything in stride.

He's not stressing about his No. 1 in-state ranking or his national top-20 overall player ranking. He's not stressing over finding a favorite in the 20-plus offers he's earned. And, most of all, he's not stressing whether or not to play college football in California.

"I'm just a kid playing football," said Kelly, the 6'3", 215-pound athlete from Clovis West High School who, in addition to being California's top-ranked player, also is the nation's No. 3 outside linebacker and the No. 18 player overall. "It's important, but not as important as it might be with those who are keeping up with it.

"I like saying I'm [ranked] No. 1 in California, but that's not the first thing that comes out of my mouth. It's an honor, and you have to watch your back because everybody's coming for you, but it's something I don't talk about. You still have to go out and work like you're not No. 1. You can't get caught up in all that."

To keep those following on their toes, Kelly said his latest top 10 of Cal, Notre Dame, Alabama, UCLA, USC, Oklahoma, Florida State, Oregon, Michigan and LSU could see the addition—and subtraction—of a school or two in the near future. Kelly said he'd like to get his list down to seven or eight schools before the summer officially starts.

According to Kelly, Ohio State and Stanford are among the schools that could make the new cut. Of all the schools he's considering, Stanford is one of only two to host him on two unofficial visits—the other school being Oklahoma.

There's a good chance that Michigan and Oklahoma will make the cut, as well. With Michigan, he said he's a fan of the coaching staff, which is led by head coach Jim Harbaugh and features defensive coordinator/linebackers coach D.J. Durkin. He took a visit to Michigan in March after receiving an offer in January.

With Oklahoma, a place he's familiar with, Kelly said he values the fact that the Sooners were the first to give him an offer. He likes the coaching staff—particularly the tandem of head coach Bob Stoops and defensive coordinator/outside linebackers coach Mike Stoops. Additionally, being from Fresno, Kelly's also building a budding relationship with Sooners receiver and fellow Fresno citizen Michiah Quick.

"I know Michigan will probably be in there, and Oklahoma because they've been there for forever," Kelly said. "But there are a lot of schools that I haven't had a chance to visit. I'm going to Notre Dame hopefully soon. I want to go to a few places before the end of the summer."

Credit: 247Sports

Look for Kelly to put his recruiting decisions on the back burner until after the second week of July, though. Kelly competed at The Opening Oakland regional last month and earned an invitation to The Opening Finals in Beaverton, Oregon, which take place July 5-10. He's focused on getting himself better for the competition.

"I was real happy getting that. I was freaking out," he said of The Opening. "I tried for that last year and, they only took three sophomores. I told myself I was going this year. I did everything they asked me to do this year, so when I got the invite, I felt like I worked for it. I'm going to work even harder now."

Once that's over, Kelly said he will turn his attention to being a better all-around player for Clovis West and finalizing his college plans. It's been a process that he refuses to let stress him out.

"I'm doing a lot of interviews and talking to a lot of people, but I'm comfortable with that," he said. "Having reporters and coaches bug you all the time, you either ignore it or say something real quick. It's been a nice learning experience for me. You just have to know how to balance it all."

Damon Sayles is a national recruiting analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' player ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles.