Standout DB recruit DeChaun Holiday talks early interests, process

The state of California is rich with high school talent, making the state's top players elite college prospects. One of the state's best players is San Marcos (Calif.) Missions Hills defensive back DeChaun Holiday.

He checks in as the country's No. 8 safety, the state of California's eighth best player, and the 117th-best player in the nation according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

The standout safety has taken visits to three schools since his season concluded and he enjoyed all three visits.

"I went to Arizona State, UCLA, and USC," he said. "I really liked all of the visits. They're all great schools."

Holiday took the time to talk about his interest in many of the top schools recruiting him. Here's what he had to say:

USC: "I like USC and have a good connection with the coaching staff from when they were at Washington. When they came and offered me it showed they think really highly of me. I really like the school."

UCLA: "Right from meeting them I liked them. I have really good relationships with coach Martin, coach Moran, and coach Mora. I really like the campus, facilities, and coach Mora has a real good grasp of his program and I like where he wants to take it."

Arizona State: "I got to meet coach Graham and talked to him a lot. They talked to me about the scheme, which I really like and about how they would use me. They said they would keep me at cornerback, which is where I want to play if possible."

Oregon: "Tradition of the school, the weather, and the football program in general. Coach Neal and I talk quite a bit. I'm hoping to get out there for a visit sometime soon. I really like their tradition of good defensive backs who have made it to the NFL."

Florida State: "I like them quite a bit. They have a good tradition of defensive backs as well. I really want to make it to the NFL and they could help me towards that goal. They're also a very successful football program."

Notre Dame: "The tradition of the school is big with them. I'm in pretty close contact with the coaches. I talk to coach Elliott all the time. I'm looking forward to visiting so I can see what it's like."

Of all of the schools he's hearing from, Holiday admits that he talks to the Bruins the most. In addition to UCLA, three other schools reach out to him pretty frequently.

"I would have to say UCLA. They have been on me a lot," Holiday continued. "I'm also hearing from Utah, Arizona State, and USC pretty often."

Despite having a very impressive list of scholarship offers to this point, there are a few of schools he would still like to hear from.

"Ohio State, Michigan, Missouri, Clemson, and also Florida," Holiday listed.

Many think it's going to be a battle between USC and UCLA for his commitment, but he doesn't want to name any leaders until he has taken all of his visits.

"I don't want to give out any leaders until I visit all of the schools I want to see," he explained. "After taking the visits I'll have a better idea of my top schools."

A decision could come sometime this summer, but if it doesn't happen then it might be a while before he announces his college decision.

"I could possibly decide at The Opening this summer," he stated. "If I don't do it then I'll probably decide close to signing day."

When it comes time to sit down and make a college decision, there are a couple of key factors Holiday is going to take into account.

"I'm going to check with my family, to see how they feel," Holiday said. "Then playing time. If it's possible I want to get in a quick as I can and play corner still. Also my relationships with the coaches, the academics, and where I can see myself."

Over the course of his recruitment there are a couple of college coaches he has grown the closest to.

"I'd have to with Coach Martin and Coach Heyward as well as coach Mora too," he continued. "We usually just see how each other are doing, how practice is going, and sometimes talk about football, the scheme, and where they see me fitting on defense."

Holiday doesn't have any visits set in stone, but he would like to visit Florida State, Notre Dame, Oregon, and many other schools sometime this spring or summer.

SB Nation recruiting analyst Bud Elliott released a scouting report on Green last month. You can read it here.