RECRUITING: Palo Verde’s Harris solidifies USC choice
When Nick Holt left Southern California this month to become Washington’s defensive coordinator, Palo Verde senior cornerback Torin Harris had some thinking to do.
Holt, after all, was vital in securing Harris’ oral commitment to USC in June.
“I did start thinking about other schools once the coaching staff changed around,” said Harris, who considered Washington and Colorado.
But after making his official visit to USC last weekend, Harris felt welcomed into the “family of being a Trojan.”
“It really made my decision solid,” Harris said of his visit. “Now I know where I really want to go.”
Another local blue-chip senior, Bishop Gorman defensive end Justin Chaisson, said his April commitment to Oklahoma never wavered.
“I can’t wait to sign my letter of intent and start working out and getting ready for Oklahoma,” he said.
Harris and Chaisson spearhead a group of more than 20 local football stars expected to sign Wednesday. The signing period ends April 1.
Silverado senior defensive end Keenan Graham committed to UCLA in November but said last week he might not decide between Utah and UCLA until signing day. He could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
Seniors to commit recently include Basic quarterback Robby Faiman (Northern State, S.D.); Centennial linebackers Scott Hamilton (New Mexico Highlands) and Matt Holley (Southern Utah); and Green Valley receiver Kyle Larimer (Colorado School of Mines).
Seniors who have recently accepted invitations to walk on include Green Valley quarterback Nick Libonati (UNLV) and Centennial punter Colton Price (Southern Utah).
Updates on uncommitted seniors:
— Del Sol running back Derek Eamon visited with Hawaii coaches Tuesday, but they haven’t offered him a scholarship. Eamon said his “No. 1” offer remains from Navy.
— Valley quarterback Kerwynn Williams said he enjoyed his recent visit to South Dakota but has yet to commit.
— Arbor View linebacker Gabe Toney has an offer from the University of Mary (N.D.), Aggies coach Dan Barnson said.
Recent commitments in other sports include, in girls soccer, Palo Verde’s Taylor Reyes (New Mexico State), Coronado’s Veronica Subu (New Mexico State), Legacy’s Shannon Singleton (Bethany College, Kan.) and Cimarron-Memorial’s Jill Masciola (UNR) and Jennifer Lutjens (UNLV); in boys soccer, Foothill’s Andrew Suits (McPherson College, Kan.) and Faith Lutheran’s Chris Longi (Northwest Christian, Ore.); and, in softball, Arbor View’s Danielle Nolan (Willamette, Ore.) and Foothill’s Shelbie Medrano (College of Southern Nevada).