WSU football recruiting: Xavier Ulutu headed to Pullman for an official visit

There are just two weekends remaining until signing day, so once again college football prospects are busy flying around the country, taking official visits. With only a couple of open spots remaining in the 2014 class, the Cougars have a short list of players they are still pursuing. Xavier Ulutu is on that list and he'll take an official visit to Pullman.

Ulutu is the only known official visitor this weekend, quite the contrast from last weekend when WSU hosted nine prospects on official visits. Although he'll be the only prospect on campus, a few other official visits could have an impact on WSU's 2014 class. Here's a closer look at who's tripping where this weekend.

WSU official visitors

Xavier Ulutu, ILB, San Diego, Calif.

The 6-foot-1, 240-pound prospect from Cathedral Catholic High School certainly has the size to play inside linebacker at the next level. Rivals and Scout both rank him as a 3-star prospect with Scout listing him as the No. 49 middle linebacker in the 2014 class. He reportedly has offers from Fresno State, Boise State and Colorado State in addition to Washington State. Any team without state in their name has apparently been eliminated.

Rivals and 247Sports both list Ulutu with high interest in WSU and Fresno State and lesser interest in everyone else. With Chandler Leniu decommitting and possibly headed to Cal, Ulutu would fill a position of need in WSU's 2014 class. You can check out Ulutu's senior highlights on Hudl, or watch his junior year highlights in the embedded YouTube video.

WSU commits tripping elswhere

Miguel Machado, OL, Pasadena, Calif.

A junior college transfer, Machado is taking a trip to Michigan State this weekend. Of all the currently committed players, many consider him among the most likely to compete for a major role next season. He'll have to get to Pullman first and that appears to be somewhat of a question. He has more than 20 offers and they haven't stopped rolling in. Washington offered recently and Machado tripped to Purdue last week. Michigan State was a strong contender when Machado committed. The Spartans have since played in a BCS bowl game.

Ronald Monroe, QB/WR, Richmond, Texas

Monroe committed to WSU as a wide receiver in late December. He has since received additional interest with some teams recruiting him as a quarteraback. He took a trip to Utah State last week and will trip to San Jose State this week and BYU next week according to 247Sports. The opportunity to at least start out at quarterback could be an attractive offer for Monroe.

Patrick Porter, CB, Cottondale, Ala.

The 3-star corner took his official to WSU last week and will now head to Minnesota this week according to Coug247. He'll also take a trip to Miami next week. He committed prior to taking any visits. In quotes, he sounds very committed, but that could obviously change, especially with an impressive visit.

WSU targets tripping elsewhere

Chandler Leniu, ILB, Bellflower, Calif.

The 4-star prospect decommitted earlier this month and said he's considering playing closer to home. California is thought to be the team most likely destination and Leniu will take a visit to Cal this weekend. If it goes well, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Leniu commit to the Bears. He has, however, talked about wanting to see the fit and being able to picture himself playing at a school for four or five years.

Marcus Griffin, DT, Bellevue, Wash.

The former WSU commit will visit Arizona this weekend. He was originally scheduled to visit Notre Dame, but the Fighting Irish are no longer in the picture. He tripped to Cal last week and will head to Mississippi State next weekend. WSU remains in contention. Griffin will announce his decision on signing day.

Jalen Canty, DE, Vallejo, Calif.

The 6-foot-8 defensive end prospect took his official to WSU last week. He was committed to Fresno State at the time and has since decommitted. He also received an offer from Oregon on Sunday and the Ducks, Cougars and Utah are his final three. He'll take a trip to Utah this weekend and said he plans to announce his decision on Monday. That would seem to eliminate the Ducks, but he could still take a visit to Oregon. Basically, he's likely going to sign with WSU, Utah or Oregon and we may or may not find out which team wins the derby on Monday.

Patrick Choudja, DE, Oakley, Calif.

After tripping to WSU last week, Choudja will take an official visit to Boise State this weekend. He also has a planned visit to Fresno State. Arizona State and Nevada are also considered contenders. Choudja had very good things to say about WSU and Joe Salave'a.

Barry Ware, WR, Corona, Calif.

Like many on this target list, Ware took his official to Pullman last week. He'll join Canty in taking an official to Utah this weekend. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Ware would be a great fit at outside receiver in WSU's offense. It appears the former UCLA commit is down to WSU, Fresno State and Utah. You may notice Fresno State and Utah are after a lot of the same prospects as WSU. Landing Ware would be a very good start in winning those battles.

Kaleb McGary, OT, Fife, Wash.

The 4-star offensive tackle will take an official to Washington this week. He took his official to Wisconsin last week and the Badgers, Huskies, Cougars, Arizona State and Oregon State are thought to be his final five. Landing high-quality offensive linemen is always a major coupe. When it's one of the top prospects in Washington and a player the Huskies are after, it would be an extra bonus for WSU.

Brayden Lenius, WR, West Hills, Calif.

The 6-foot-5 receiver will be in Minnesota this weekend before heading to Miami. If that sounds familiar, it's because Patrick Porter has the same visit schedule. Lenius has drawn significant interest late in the process and is one of a few wide receivers WSU is after.

There is always a chance more players are visiting. Sometimes these things -- like Canty last week -- stay under the radar. It is after all recruiting. Nothing is ever simple.