5-Star Running Back Savon Huggins Opens Up Recruitment To USC, Auburn and Others

Five-star running back Savon Huggins was expected to attend the Notre Dame-Army game in Yankee Stadium this weekend.

But it's been reported that he will no longer be able to make the trip.

While Notre Dame is considered the favorite to land the coveted running back, Huggins revealed in a recent interview that he will be making an official trip to USC, though a date has not yet been scheduled. 

Back in September, Huggins had narrowed his list of suitors down to Notre Dame, Rutgers, Florida, North Carolina and Pitt.

Now that his season has ended, Huggins has rededicated his attention to the recruitment process. Which helps to explain the recent developments involving USC and a field of suitors that's doubled in size.

The addition of USC to the mix was unexpected. Even more surprising is the fact that Huggins confirmed that Auburn, Georgia, Wisconsin and Tennessee are also being considered as well now. 

"[USC, Auburn, Georgia, Wisconsin and Tennessee] are outside of my top," he said, "but I am keeping my options open with those.” 

The news should come as a welcome gift to the newcomers to the list, as Huggins is a rare bread of athlete who has the potential to be a superstar at the next level.

He has such a broad array of moves that you really never know what he's going to do on any given play. Defenders are constantly left guessing when dealing with him in space.

When you watch him play, you immediately think Barry Sanders. He's got the vision, the balance, the change-of-direction ability and, simply, the unwillingness to go down.

Huggins currently has official trips scheduled with Rutgers, Florida and North Carolina, as well as a pending trip to USC. But the fact that he has not yet scheduled with Pitt indicates that the Panthers are slipping out of the equation. 

It's not yet known how high his interest is in the other schools vying for his services. However, none of this can be considered a good sign for Notre Dame.

The Fighting Irish have suffered three major de-commitments this month, including 4-star running back Justice Hayes. 

Huggins is not expected to announce his decision until national signing day.