5-Star Caleb Kelly Updates Recruitment, Working to Narrow Down Final List

As the nation's No. 3 outside linebacker, Caleb Kelly is a wanted individual. But there are many who feel his future is already set.

Oregon made sure that it kept its name in Kelly's mind after what he called a productive official visit. The Fresno, California, standout visited Eugene last weekend and gave the visit—his second of five scheduled— high marks, despite the Ducks falling in two overtimes to Washington State.

"It was beautiful," Kelly said. "I got out there and saw fall. The trees, the colors, everything. Here in Fresno, it doesn't rain much. When I saw rain, I was joking around like, 'What is this?'

"It's a beautiful campus. The stadium is nice, and the fans are everywhere—even in the rain."

Kelly, who made his first trip to Eugene, added that his mother was a fan of the university, something that could play in the Ducks' favor when he's set to announce on national signing day. Oregon is a school that has Kelly high on its priority list, and knowing that he's wanted keeps the Ducks as a school to consider.

Kelly also said that he enjoyed spending time with the players and the coaching staff. Knowing that several of the coaches—particularly linebackers coach Don Pellum—have been on staff for quite some time is a plus for Kelly.

"They've been there forever," he said. "Coach Pellum has been there for 29 years."

The trip, Kelly said, greatly helped Oregon's chances to land him, but the recruiting process is still young. He visited Michigan in September and has booked visits set to Oklahoma (weekend of Nov. 21) and Notre Dame (Dec. 11).

A tentative visit also has been scheduled to Alabama for Nov. 7, but Kelly said nothing is set in stone. Alabama and Texas are two schools fighting for that last spot.

The winner gets a linebacker who has a nose for the football and is a playmaker for Clovis West High School. He has 11 sacks in five games, four of those coming against Fresno foe Edison. He has the school record for sacks in a game.

Additionally, Kelly lines up as a flex tight end for Clovis West. He scored two touchdowns in a loss to Clovis North last week. He defined his senior season as "my best year, my most fun year."

And if all goes as planned, the best is still yet to come. If Oregon is his final destination, look for him to be used early in multiple packages because of his versatility.

"I can see myself there," he said. "The coaches are laid back. They get on their guys when it's needed, but they don't yell a lot. They're just laid back; I'm kind of like that. I can see myself there the next four years and with them the rest of my life."

Oklahoma is considered the team to beat because of his relationships with most of the coaching staff and California players such as Michiah Quick, who have been solid player-recruiters. Kelly, however, wants to remind everyone that his process is still a work in progress.

"That part of it has been pretty hard," Kelly said, referring to narrowing down his final list. "All of the coaches, you make connections with them. In my case, I've got to tell three or four of them that I love hanging out with them, but I'm not going to their school. How do you do that?

"It's been hard to deal with and hard to think about, but you've got to do what's best for you. That's what I'm going to do."

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 via Twitter: @DamonSayles