RECRUITING: Relationships keeping ISU in the mix for Onyemaobi

California athlete Michael Onyemaobi has been one of the top targets on Iowa State’s recruiting board for months and that isn’t changing with one week left until National Signing Day. Iowa State defensive backs coach D.K. McDonald visited the 6-foot-1, 187-pound three-star at his home on Monday.

Earlier in the day, Onyemaobi included the Cyclones along with Nebraska, TCU, Washington State and UNLV as the top five schools left on his list. He’s still figuring out his visit plans for this weekend after visiting TCU last weekend.

The thing that’s kept the Cyclones in the mix despite picking up more attention on the trail since decommitting from Cal has been Onyemaobi’s relationship with the Iowa State coaching staff.

“They’ve probably been the most consistent talking to me the entire recruiting process,” Onyemaobi told Cyclone Fanatic on Tuesday. “In terms of having a role open they’re open for me to come in an fill. Consistent relationships between me and the coaching staff. Constant communication ever since the beginning and it hasn’t really stopped. That factor also plays a role in where I’m going to go.”

Onyemaobi, who projects as a cornerback at the next level, is rated as the No. 37 athlete in the class by 247Composite and the No. 533 prospect overall. If he did pick Iowa State, he’d be the program’s highest-rated high school prospect.

“I see myself fitting into their football program,” Onyemaobi said. “That’s why I kept them in the loop through the entire process.”

He will announce his college decision on February 1 on Fox Sports Network.