Front-runners for No. 1 2017 athlete JaCoby Stevens have emerged

Time for a team to take over!

The one-time LSU commit isn't straying away from his hometown, and he's apparently narrowed his front-runner from a top seven to a top three, per Bleacher Report.

Related: JaCoby Stevens drops final seven

He added that there's plenty of time for things to change, but LSU remains well in the thick of the race:

"LSU is a school that I've always loved. I like the family there, and I like what Coach [Les] Miles and Coach [Corey] Raymond are doing. They're always shooting for championship runs and dynasties. There's a special feeling and a special vibe in Baton Rouge."

Along with Clemson:

"It's the excitement of the program," Stevens said of Clemson. "I like where they're going with everything."

And Auburn:

"With Auburn, I feel like Coach [Gus] Malzahn is turning things around," Stevens said. "They pulled in one of the best DTs in the country [Derrick Brown], and they're getting ready for a big run."

Stevens noted a trip to LSU, Alabama and Clemson will be among his visits, while adding that Tennessee has made him a "major priority."

Currently, 247sports' Crystal Ball the 6'2", 200-pound athlete landing at Georgia.