Uncommitted: No. 21 Zach Banner picks between home and vibe

Editor's note: This is the 13th in a series of 20 leading up to National Signing Day that features Top 100 football recruits who have yet to announce their college plans. We're breaking down their finalists and predicting where each will wind up.

Uncommitted: Zach Banner
High School: Lakes (Lakewood, Wash.)
Position: OT
Size: 6-foot-8, 295 pounds
Tom Lemming's Top 100: No. 21
Finalists (alphabetical): Oklahoma, USC, Washington
More Uncommitted: D.J. Foster, Josh Garnett, Aziz Shittu, Darius Hamilton, Trae Elston, Devin Fuller, Josh Harvey-Clemons, Joel Caleb, Kwon Alexander, Eddie Goldman, Nelson Agholor and Davonte Neal.

Zach Banner moved up his college commitment announcement from Wednesday – National Signing Day – to Monday.

According to reports, he purchased three hats and will eventually slip on the right one after making a short speech.

Being a four-time class president, he's used to public speaking. You can bet he'll speak highly of all of his finalists – Oklahoma, USC and Washington.

"I'm never going to disrespect a school," he told Mason Kelley of the Seattle Times last week.

In some ways, Banner can't wait to get the news out and be done with the incessant drama, build-up and stress surrounding with the recruiting process.

But in more ways, we suspect, Banner will deplore making this announcement, because at least 66 percent of those waiting anxiously for his choice will be disappointed.

Perhaps, even crushed.

The nation's No. 21 national recruit isn't into heartbreak or for that matter, surprises.

When Banner was in the seventh grade he found out by accident that he was adopted and that his biological father was former NFL lineman Lincoln Kennedy. Banner found his birth name – Zachary Samuel Kennedy - on a piece of paper while his family was remodeling their home. 

He worked out the initial shock with his biological mother Vanessa, her husband and Zach's adopted father Ron Banner, but at first it wasn't easy. 

"It was hard," he told scout.com's Chris Fetters. "You go through your whole life and you think something, but then you're just told something else. When I found out about it, I was heartbroken. I was a little shocked, scared and nervous. But from then on out – I was ready."

Last summer, Zach told reporters he had met Lincoln only once and that everything was "cool." He considers Ron, an educator who came into his life as a toddler, his real dad and his household, which also includes his mom and two younger siblings, the foundation of his life.

It's even his motto: "Family Over Everything – ‘FOE.' "

The combination of his healthy upbringing and athletic genes – he's a ringer for Lincoln though two inches taller and 40 pounds lighter – Zach is a can't-miss recruit and person, according to Lakes coach Dave Miller.

"He's a tremendous kid," Miller told lostlettermen.com. "He cares about people and has a desire to excel. His personality is bigger than his physicality."

He's also a physical force on the basketball court, having led Lakes to a state 3A championship and 24-3 record last season. He wants to play both sports in college.

The attention divided between both sports has led some to believe Banner isn't quite as polished at his tackle spot as a few others nationally.

"But he has more upside than any offensive lineman in the country," CBS/MaxPreps recruiting expert Tom Lemming said.

Said MaxPreps Football editor Stephen Spiewak: "His best football is definitely in front of him."

So where will that be?

Oklahoma (long shot): Great program, great tradition, but unlikely Bob Stoops will let him play basketball.

USC (50-50): This one is going to be hard to pass up. His last visit was to Los Angeles just a week ago. He told reporters that it was the most fun he's ever had on a trip. "The highlight was just being around the players on the team. Those are some real cool guys. …I definitely got a great vibe at USC."

Washington (50-50): He's been recruited by the Huskies heavily for four years. Reportedly, there's also not a problem him playing for Lorenzo Romar and the basketball team as well. He told the Seattle Times: "I think they've definitely stepped up their game. It's been a long four years. They offered me freshman year and it's been a long process. It has a good affect on my family. They've been there since the beginning. I think that's why they're one of my final three schools."

Final take: I have a feeling Banner is still tossing and turning on this one. His "FOE" motto is being tested. The winner in that case would be Washington hands down. But there's a definite pull to Southern California. A "great vibe" at age 18 is a major attraction.

Spiewak said: "I have come to believe that Banner is willing to get away from home if it means finding the perfect fit for him. I suspect he'll leave the state of Washington and land at USC."

Those are my sentiments also. Besides, I think Zach will apply FOE wherever he lands. At USC, he might also have a chance to get to know Lincoln, a sportscaster for FOX Sports in Hollywood.