As National Signing Day nears next month, players are beginning to finalize their recruitment plans and will be faced with making decisions in the coming weeks.
For four-star linebacker Christopher Oats, there appear to be two schools emerging as serious contenders: Kentucky and Ohio State.
"Kentucky's (assistant coach) Vince Marrow was at my game tonight, and he and I have a great relationship," Oats told 247Sports. "I would say it's like a father-son relationship, and we talk almost every day. I trust Coach Marrow and he trusts me, and our relationship has grown so much over the school year. It also helps because (former teammate) Mike Edwards is at Kentucky, and he's given a lot of information about Kentucky as well. He told me I can trust them."
"Ohio State is still in touch and we talk all the time," Oats explained. "They tell to be ready to come in and work hard, and that I could possibly play early there."
While it appears Kentucky and Ohio State are the frontrunners, Oats is also considering Michigan State as well, according to The Athletic. Oats reportedly tried to commit to Ohio State, but the Buckeyes said they had to wait and that opened the door for Kentucky and Michigan State.
Oats said he will make a decision at his high school on Feb. 7.