SANTA ANA, Calif. -- News and notes from the West team on Day 3 of practices for the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, including previews of two commitments coming Sunday.
Joyner ready to announce
ESPN 300 running back Austin Joyner has been committed to both Washington and Washington State at various points during his recruiting process, and there's a chance that he could commit to one of those schools yet again when he announces during Sunday's game.
Joyner, the nation's No. 268 prospect, will choose between Boise State, Washington and Washington State, and said he finalized his decision sometime last week.
Joyner has taken official visits to Boise State and Washington, adding that he didn't need to take an official visit to Washington State because he is so familiar with the campus. After he originally committed to Steve Sarkisian when he was at Washington, Joyner pulled away from that commitment when Sarkisian left for USC. Joyner then committed to Washington State, but backed away from that pledge when the Cougars fired their defensive coordinator. Now, Joyner said he's ready to make a final call.
"It's going to feel good once I have it done because I feel like I've made the right decision this time for a bunch of different reasons," Joyner said. "The coaching staff, education and everything that you look at. Before, I wasn't really sure what I should be looking for, but now I'm positive."
Joyner said that his primary position will be cornerback, but he'll be worked into other spots on offense, such as running back.
Folau will make the call
Three-star linebacker Christian Folau plans to announce his decision during the game on Sunday, but there could still be a few twists and turns in his recruitment. Folau, a former Stanford commitment, has had a top three of Oklahoma State, Utah and Wisconsin, but a few coaching changes have thrown a wrinkle in that.
With Gary Andersen moving from Wisconsin to Oregon State, the Beavers are now one of the teams in the mix for the 6-foot, 241-pound linebacker. But that's not the only Pac-12 program that could throw a late wrench in this recruitment. Folau has also been hearing from Oregon, and though the Ducks have yet to offer, they could actually be in the best position for Folau right now. Folau, in fact, still isn't sure which school he wants to commit to.
"I'm still trying to weigh options, solidify offers and see if programs with the coaching carousels that have been going on still want me," Folau said. "I have a feeling Oregon might come in late. I'm still trying to talk to them."
Folau said he understands that the Oregon coaches have been busy with the season continuing for the Ducks, but if an offer comes in from Oregon -- no matter when it happens -- it will alter his recruitment.
"That will change things," Folau said of a possible offer from the Ducks. "They started recruiting me as a sophomore but didn't offer because I was committed to Stanford."
Day 3 standouts
The offensive and defensive linemen took center stage with their one-on-one battles today, as the skill position players largely went through walk-throughs in preparation for the game.
Colorado commit and ESPN 300 offensive guard Tim Lynott split two reps against defensive tackle Malik McMorris.
USC defensive tackle commit Noah Jefferson beat UCLA offensive tackle commit Tevita Halalilo on back-to-back reps.
Three-star defensive tackle Benning Potoae has been terrific all week and continued that, with three wins against Illinois commit Gabe Megginson.
Oregon State offensive tackle commit Blake Brandel and Vanderbilt defensive end commit Caleb Peart split two reps against each other.
Defensive tackle Bryce English continued his big week with two wins against Oregon commit Shane Lemieux.
Uncommitted center Don Greene won back-to-back reps against Notre Dame commit Brandon Tiassum.
Halalilo came back from his performance against Jefferson to put together two great reps against Oregon commit Drayton Carlberg.
Peart and Texas A&M commit Connor Lanfear put together two interesting reps, as Peart easily got around Lanfear on the first snap, then Lanfear barely let Peart off the line of scrimmage on the second.
Oklahoma commit Marquise Overton had two strong reps against Greene.
Notre Dame commit Micah Drew-Treadway split his reps with Halalilo, and Megginson bounced back at the end with two nice snaps against Texas commit Charles Omenihu.
During 11-on-11 work, Potoae continued his dominance, registering two sacks and forcing the quarterback to throw the ball away on three consecutive snaps.
The offensive play of the day was a deep ball from Michigan State commit Brian Lewerke to Arkansas tight end commit C.J. O'Grady, where O'Grady got free deep down the middle of the field and hauled in the pass over his shoulder with one hand.
Uncommitted linebacker Richard Moore provided one of the standout defensive plays of the day, knocking away what looked to be a sure touchdown pass in the corner of the endzone.