It's mid-August, and from a recruiting perspective, more uncommitted athletes are finalizing their college plans.This past weekendserved as proof.The Pac-12 had a respectable recruiting weekend, as Cal and UCLA picked up 2017 pledges in running back Biaggio Ali Walsh and offensive tackle Jaxson Kirkland, respectively. LSU also added to its nationally ranked class in landing defensive end Justin Thomas.As we inch closer to September, look for athletes to set official visits, trim their respective lists of schools and ultimately make verbal commitments in time for the regular season to kick off. Here are some athletes who have made moves with their recruiting processes. 5-star CB Holmes: 'We've reached the season'In less than two weeks, Calabasas (California) High School will open the regular season against rival Agoura High School. That's where the focus of Calabasas 5-star cornerback Darnay Holmes is.Like many athletes nationwide, Holmes is putting team first and recruiting in a secondary category as he prepares for the start of his senior year. In discussing recruiting, the nation's No. 10 overall player and No. 2 cornerback in the 2017 class said he still has a few schools high on his list, such as UCLA, USC, Nebraska and Ohio State, but being a leader for his team takes precedence."We've reached the season, so it's all about winning state, staying undefeated," Holmes said. "We've got a plan laid out."Holmes' latest recruiting visit came Aug. 6 as he went to Michigan for the annual BBQ at the Big House. He said the trip put Michigan among his favorites, and he gave the overall visit high marks."I had a chance to spend time with David [Long] and guys like that. Plus, [Jim] Harbaugh is a great guy," Holmes said. "They have so much history and tradition there. It's a real college city. You can tell Harbaugh is getting things done there. They've got me thinking about them."Holmes said it's too early for him to put any school above another, but he added that he's keeping his options open in case another team makes a late impression. After broken neck, DB lands 1st Power Five offerLast August, St. George, Utah, defensive backNephi Sewellsustained a neck injury that many thought would end his football career. He sustained an injury to his C4 and C5 vertebraeand was confined to a neck brace for six months.Nearly a year laterthe injury occurred Aug. 21, 2015Sewell not only is back on the field but planning a future in college football. He has five offers, the latest being his first Power Five offer from Washington State."I received it after theAll-Poly Camp," Sewell said of the Washington State offer. "To be honest, I didn't expect anyone to offer until after I played my first game. They told me they loved my game and that I fit into their program. It was definitely a happy moment for me and my family."Sewell, who, at 6'0" and 205 pounds, has added 15 pounds to his frame since February, had previous offers from Nevada and in-state schools Weber State, Southern Utah and Dixie State. He can play both cornerback and safety at the next level.For Sewell, simply getting the chance to play next-level ball is gratifying enough."When I went through my recovery process, I didn't know if I'd have a chance to play again," he said. "This has been a dream come true for me. My love for the game is strong, and I don't take any of this for granted."I know I only need one offer, but if I get more, it's a blessing to know the time I put in to get back has paid off. I feel faster and stronger. I feel like I'm in the best shape of my life, and I know God has a plan." Top 7 for 3-star LB, brother of A&M playerFor Cedar Hill, Texas, 3-star linebackerDimitri Moore, every day is critical. In addition to preparing for an Aug. 27 showdown with national power Bishop Gorman out of Las Vegas, as well as the rest of the season for Cedar Hill High School, he's also finalizing his college future in the next three months.Moore, who will graduate in December and enroll in college in time for spring workouts, announced his top seven on Saturday. It was a list that included three Pac-12 schools, two from the SEC and one each from the Big 12 and Big Ten:"I'm looking for a great environment and a place where I can get a good education," Moore said. "I also want a team that I know will have my back."Moore recently visited Texas Tech, Minnesota and Missouri and spoke highly about all three programs. He said he's yet to visit Vanderbilt, Colorado or Arizona State but has done his research on each school and has built good relationships with the coaching staffs.Even though he has a top seven, Moore said he's leaving the door ajar for new offers. Texas A&M is a school to keep an eye on, as his older brother, Richard Moore, plays there. The Aggies have yet to offer the younger Moore.He said he's unsure of which school he'll ultimately choose as of now, but he's using the advice of his older brother to help make the right choice."He gives me a lot of his opinions and tells me how to handle different things," Moore said of his brother. "He's a great guy to listen to. Most of the time, he's right, because he's been through the exact same stuff."Right now, it's all in God's hands. I just know I'll make a decision before I graduate." Recent MSU decommit keeping options openAfter Jackson, Mississippi, 3-star cornerback Emanuel Dabneyannounced his decommitment from Mississippi State Friday, the big question is what's next'With a dozen reported offers, Dabney has his options and said he's looking into several schools. He added that even though he decommitted, Mississippi State is still a school in the mix."I just wanted tore-evaluate things and weigh all my options," said Dabney, a top-15 player in the state of Mississippi. "I feel like I made my decision too early. I just wanted to go back and look at some things."Dabney, who committed to Mississippi State last December, picked up an offer from Cincinnati on Friday. He also has offers from Missouri and in-state Ole Miss, and said that Tennessee has been a school he's received a lot of interest from.Dabney considers himself a "lockdown corner and a playmaker" and said he's excited about all of the challenges that will come at the next level. The winning school, however, will be decided by several X-factors, but two in particular stand out."I want to have a good position coach," he said. "And I want to be at a place where it feels like home." Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles
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