re: Class of 2018 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: So Long Old Friend Edition

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Cameron Latu committed to a school earlier in the recruiting process before backing off that pledge and he appears to be a tad bit closer to making another decision.

The four-star edge rusher from Salt Lake City (Utah) Olympus intends to cut his long list to five soon and told Scout.com he's got several visits in mind for this summer.

"Really, it's about whenever I find those five schools," Latu said. "I've probably got seven or so in my mind right now, so I'm just trying to cut it down some more.

"It's coming up close, probably in a week or two."

Penn State joined the race last weekend and Latu said the Nittany Lions are definitely intriguing enough for him to look into a trip.

"Now that I've got that Penn State offer, I definitely want to check them out," Latu said. "I want to look into it, hopefully this summer. I don't have any planned visits right now because I'm just trying to finish school and focus on that before I turn my attention to football, but with Penn State, the defense is solid and they're coming off that Rose Bowl game. They have a really solid team. I talk to coach (Sean) Spencer, the defensive line coach, and I want to find out more, so that's why I want to go out there."

Washington, with assistant coach Ikaika Malloe leading the charge, is another school that the 6-foot-5, 236-pound prospect hopes to take a closer look at in the coming months. The Huskies have been on Latu's mind since they offered in mid February.

"I'm trying to get out to Washington for sure," Latu said. "They're pushing pretty hard and I want to at least go check them out."

Latu, the No. 2-rated defensive end in the West region for the 2018 class and No. 137 overall prospect in the Scout 300, was all set to visit Alabama for the spring game but didn't get a chance to make the trip due to some flight conflicts. He took a trip to Tuscaloosa earlier this year and has high interest in the Crimson Tide.

"I'm thinking that Alabama visit is going to happen in the beginning of June," Latu said. "I really just to check things out again and maybe work out at the camp."

With family in the Los Angeles area, USC and UCLA had been appealing destinations for quite some time but Latu said the Trojans have undoubtedly surpassed the Bruins in his mind, making them a sure bet to crack his top five when it's released.

"USC is definitely in the conversation, no doubt," Latu said. "UCLA, they're not as much in the conversation as USC anymore. I'm working on my top five and just working on the schools I want to see. I've been to USC and know what it's about already."

As for a decision timeframe, Latu, who committed to BYU earlier in the process, said he doesn't intend to draw things out much.

"Not really going to take it slow," he said. "Once I come up with my top five, I'm going to evaluate them, take visits and hopefully make a decision before the season or just into the season. I have all the offers I really need, so I don't really need to take things slow."

Latu, whose twin brother Nathan Latu remains committed to the Cougars, was credited with 65 total tackles, including 20 for a loss, as a junior last season. He has announced his plans to participate in the 2018 Polynesian Bowl next January.

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