Chuck Filiaga Releases Top 10: Which School Best Fits 4-Star OT?

Before 4-star offensive tackle Chuck Filiaga moved to Aledo, Texas, he was a standout at Vista Murrieta High School in Murrieta, California. USC was a school many felt would make a great home for him when it was his time to make a decision.

On Labor Day, Filiaga announced via Twitter that he has a top 10, in alphabetical order, of Arkansas, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Oregon, TCU, Tennessee, Texas and USC. He tweeted that his top 10 was delayed to first acclimate himself at Aledo, as camaraderie with his new coaches and teammates was top priority:

Is USC still a favorite? Have the Texas schools done enough in his short stint in the Lone Star State to impress him?

Or is this battle more wide-open nationally than we expect?

Back in February, Filiaga took an unofficial visit to USC and spoke with Bleacher Report about the Trojans' open-door policy, the energy of head coach Clay Helton and the relationship built with offensive line coach Neil Callaway. The visit received high praise, and the Trojans continue to be a team to watch.

In fact, Filiaga's 247Sports "crystal ball" predictions favor USC. Oklahoma and TCU also have votes.

Aledo is a team that not only knows how to win but also knows how to produce FBS talent. The Texas schools are well aware of the talent there. Teammate and fellow offensive lineman Wes Harris, a 4-star guard, committed to TCU on May 30.

Along with USC, TCU and Texas are two schools to keep an eye on, particularly as Filiaga further adjusts to life living in the state. He unofficially visited TCU last month, and most recently, he was at Texas over the weekend taking in the Longhorns' upset win against Notre Dame on Sunday. Additionally, Filiaga was in Arlington, Texas, for Saturday's USC-Alabama matchup.

USC would be ideal for him potentially getting early playing time. The Trojans' embarrassing loss to Alabama featured only 194 total yards and a lot of defensive pressure from Alabama. Filiaga, at 6'6" and 335 pounds, could be a solid bookend and someone to frustrate defensive linemen at the next level.

Here's what could serve as a disadvantage for USC, however. The Trojans already have two offensive tackles committed in 4-star Alijah Vera-Tucker and 3-star Andrew Vorhees. On the flip side, both TCU and Texas are still looking for their first offensive tackle pledges—and Filiaga would be a keystone commit for both programs.

And then there's the idea of Filiaga choosing a school like Michigan, Oklahoma, Nebraska or Ole Miss—four schools that have produced solid offensive linemen in the past. He has been somewhat tight-lipped about recruiting in the past weeks, and he added that he plans on taking all five official visits.

This will give all of the 10 schools equal opportunity to make their pitches and ultimately land a top-150 player nationally and the nation's No. 16 offensive tackle.

Filiaga, who has 29 reported offers, is featured in the second episode of Titletown, TX, a series generated by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram focusing on Aledo football. The episode tells who Filiaga is and how he ended up in Aledo.

He's been a part of an Aledo offense that is averaging 53 points and more than 530 yards in two wins this season. The offensive line is responsible for helping the team average 259 rushing yards per game.

In short, Filiaga is a catalyst, and he can be equally effective—if not more—at the next level. Look for the next few weeks to be an interesting recruiting battle.

USC, however, is hoping the player once residing in the West Coast returns home. That could be how Filiaga's recruiting story ends.

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite rankings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles