Clemson in final three for Alabama decommitment Xavier McKinney

Defensive back Xavier McKinney of Roswell, Ga., knows three of his official visits will be Clemson, Florida and Ohio State.

Also under consideration are Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and Notre Dame. He has not set any dates but plans to set some within the next couple of weeks. McKinney did not make it to a game last weekend and doesn't plan to go anywhere this weekend.

"Right now I'm kind of focused on my team and finishing up school," McKinney said.

Clemson was last in touch with McKinney this week, and he's hearing from coaches Mike Reed and Tony Elliott.

"I think they are pushing for me hard," McKinney said. "Of course they want me there. I think they want me there."

McKinney's former teammate is Clemson freshman linebacker Tre Lamar and he is also getting a recruiting nudge from him.

McKinney was once a commitment to Alabama. He decommitted and since then he's tried to stay away from naming a favorite.

"I haven't had a favorite for a while," he said. "I just want to let everybody get their opportunity. I don't single any one team out. I don't think putting that out there is a good idea. If I had one I would tell you, but I don't have one."

McKinney does believe Georgia and Alabama are selling him the hardest on the idea of wanting him the most. He does not plan to make an announcement on a school until the Under Armour Game.

DB locks in Clemson official

Defensive back C.J. Avery of Grenada, Miss., has set official visits to Cal for Sept. 17 and to Clemson for Nov. 4.

Avery said the interest in Cal comes from his recruiter, who is a native of Mississippi, and he has wanted him to come out for a visit. Avery is also looking at Louisville, Florida State and Auburn for official visits. He also has Ole Miss and Mississippi State on his short list.

Avery was at Auburn Saturday for the Clemson game.

"It was pretty nice," he said. "It's a laid-back community. It's all about football and getting your schoolwork done. I talked to the defensive backs coach who is recruiting me. He was my dad's defensive coordinator when he played at Kentucky State."

Avery said he has been in regular contact with Clemson recruiter Mike Reed and also hears from defensive coordinator Brent Venables.

"I talked to coach Reed the day before the Auburn game and he just wished me good luck on my game and said he would probably be at my game this week," Avery said. "I know for sure when I was watching (the Clemson defense at Auburn) they send a lot of pressure and put a lot of pressure to play man."

Avery is graduating early so he's looking at December for a decision "unless I feel the time is right and I pull the trigger." He said he does not have a favorite at this point.

This story was originally published September 7, 2016 at 4:11 PM with the headline "Clemson in final three for Alabama decommitment Xavier McKinney."