I know that everything on here is speculation. That being said, has everyone forgotten the Janzen Jackson saga? There are rumors from decent sources now that place this guy in orange and white. His options are:
Oregon - which is an up and coming program. Talent wise they will always be second to USC in that conference as long as Carroll is there. USC generally only loses games to inferior opponents, and annihilates teams that are considering having a shot to beat them.
USC - is out, which leads to my argument against LSU.
Miami - has probably hung themselves on this one.
KSU - can't remember the last time I saw them on national tv. ( I do remember the cotton bowl a five or six years ago. )
LSU - I keep hearing that their signing classes over the past few years will attract him there. Last time I checked Less Miles is still their head coach. This argument seems mute now that he has ruled out USC. If talent is what he wants to be surrounded by, then why isn't this discussion between LSU, Alabama, Florida, and USC?
Then there is UT. We have an up and coming coach, the best top to bottom coaching staff in the country. We play in the SEC, which receives national TV coverage weekly, and is touted yearly to be the best conference. Our defense will be strong, which given the QB situation, means we will run the ball a lot and play field position. I know we are thin at O line and QB, but what makes you think that we won't fill that hole next year? O linemen like to run block, more than they like to pass block. He could also be heralded as one of the pieces that put us back in contention in the SEC. The SEC has also won the last 3 national titles in convincing fashion. He could also be the next Reggie Bush.
If this guy wants the spotlight he can find it here weekly. I personally think he is a stand up kid, with a mentor that is trying to promote himself IMO. I also think when he saw the intensity of the morning workouts, he saw the bones of what it takes to win. So it really comes down too do you want to go to LSU in be another face in the crowd, or come to UT and be the catalyst of change.
I could be completely wrong, but this makes sense to me.
I really think with Oku balking, and USC dropping from the list, and statements to the press that he is ready to get this over with, that his mind is made up. I think Kiffin pulls another "ART OF WAR" move (i.e. Janzen Jackson, Nukeese Richardson) and has espn talking about UT Football again in March. JMIO. Kiffin loves the spotlight as a recruiting tool.