Elijah Rushing, nation's No. 1 edge-rusher, previews Oregon, Tennessee official visits

Salpointe Catholic (Arizona) five-star edge-rusher Elijah Rushing is taking official visits to Oregon and Tennessee this month

Salpointe Catholic (Arizona) five-star prospect Elijah Rushing, the nation's No. 8 overall prospect and No. 1 edge-rusher, has two official visits left on the schedule.

The 6-foot-6, 235-pound defender has already visited UCLA, Arizona and Notre Dame, and will check out Oregon and Tennessee to close out the month.

Heading into this week's trip to Eugene, Oregon is already viewed as a major contender for Rushing, as he's been on campus several times.

This time around, however, he's hoping to continue to build personal relationships with the current players and prospects. 

"I just want to be around the players more," Rushing said. "I want to feel the relationships out more and get to know people." 

He also confirmed that the Ducks are, in fact, a serious contender for his services, but indicated several schools could still fall into that category. 

Following his trip to Oregon, Rushing will be at Tennessee next week. 

The Volunteers had an excellent season last fall and have capitalized on the recruiting trail. Rushing noticed both aspects of the program's development and is encouraged by what he sees. 

"I think they are a program that is on the come-up," he said. "I would call them an underdog team. They are going to have a breakout season like they did last year."

Following those trips, Rushing intends to sit down with family and begin to take a closer look at making a decision. 

"I[m just trying to finish the Ovs and make sense of everything," he said. "I've been to so many campuses that I've got a lot to discuss." 

As for when a commitment could be coming? 

"Probably in July," he said. "The latest? After the first few games (of my senior season)." 

Here's what 247Sports had to say about Rushing as a prospect:

"Long, high-upside frame with plus-plus wingspan. Tall in stature with major physical potential to add mass. Explosive edge rusher with impressive mobility. Flashes elite pass-rush ability with an array of moves. Shows great flexibility to bend and maneuver past blocks. Displays terrific hand usage to disengage while maintaining forward momentum. Attacks gaps with purpose and shows ability to counter. Could continue to add strength and improve in run support. Potential multi-year starter at elite Power Five level and projects as a Day 1 NFL Draft selection." 

Junior season highlights