Only three programs remain in contention for elite Houston Lamar cornerback Anthony Cook’s signature, as Texas, Ohio State and LSU are his finalists down the stretch.

Florida State, Notre Dame, Clemson, Florida, USC, Baylor and Georgia are the seven schools that survived Cook’s cut in April, but now find themselves on the outside looking in.

Nothing short of an elite prospect, Cook has visited the Forty Acres on numerous occasions throughout his recruitment and recently praised the environment he experienced at a practice under Tom Herman and the new staff. Cook was slated to visit over the weekend, as well, but wasn’t able to attend.

Cook did visit Ohio State earlier in the month, though, and Urban Meyer’s Buckeyes are largely considered the team to beat, currently owning 80 percent of Cook’s Crystal Ball projections.

While Cook is certainly enamored by Ohio State’s winning culture and history of producing NFL-caliber defensive backs, the ‘Horns should remain a factor considering Texas already owns a pledge from Houston Lamar wide receiver Al’vonte Woodard and is expected to soon land Houston Lamar cornerback D’shawn Jamison.

If the latter proves true, as expected, Texas’ 2018 defensive back haul will consist of BJ Foster, Caden Sterns, DeMarvion Overshown, Jalen Green and Jamison, with Cook considered as the missing piece.

Herman and his staff will certainly have their hands full in hopes of preventing Cook from taking his talents to Herman’s old stomping grounds in Ohio. Cook is aiming to commit around October.

A five-star prospect, Cook is ranked as the nation’s No. 13 player, No. 2 cornerback and the No. 1 player in Texas, per 247Sports Composite.