RECRUITING: Gorman tight end Grimble commits to USC
Bishop Gorman junior tight end Xavier Grimble is serious about football but wants to be sure it remains fun in college.
After an unofficial visit to Southern California while attending the Trojans’ Nike Camp on Saturday, Grimble thinks he’s found the perfect fit.
Grimble announced his decision Thursday, two days after giving an oral commitment to USC tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator Brennan Carroll.
“USC is serious, but at the same time, they have fun,” Grimble said. “I thought it’d be one of the best fits for me.”
Rivals.com and Scout.com rank Grimble as the nation’s No. 1 tight end in the class of 2010. Rivals.com lists him as the 39th-best junior regardless of position.
The 6-foot-6-inch, 245-pound Grimble said he was “already up to 19 or 20 offers” and was fielding calls from about three college coaches each day.
He was ready for the process to stop, though his commitment is not binding. The first day he can sign is Feb. 3.
“It’s kind of a big relief,” Grimble said. “I didn’t want to keep getting offers from other schools I wasn’t going to go to.
"I'm relieved because I feel like I made the best decision. Now I can focus on my (senior) season and get myself prepared for my freshman year at USC."
Grimble’s runner-up was Oklahoma, which he unofficially visited while attending the Sooners’ spring game April 11. His third choice was Florida.
"It couldn't have gotten any closer," Grimble said, referring to USC and Oklahoma. "It was just so close. They're both great schools, both the talk of college football."
As a junior, Grimble caught 13 passes for 308 yards and three touchdowns. He thinks his productivity can increase in new Gorman coach Tony Sanchez’s spread offense.
“People know I can block, but they don’t know how good I can receive,” Grimble said. "It's a chance for me to work on my wide receiver skills."
Grimble is one of four Gaels juniors who have committed to Pac-10 Conference schools.
Linebacker Evan Palelei and defensive end Alex Turner committed to Stanford last week, and offensive lineman Geoffrey Gibson said Thursday he has committed to California.
