Monrovia defensive line standout and one of the top recruits in the country Ellis McCarthy is expected to announce that he will attend Cal next season during Saturday’s U.S. Army All-Star Game on NBC, according to multiple sources.

When contacted on Friday morning, McCarthy confirmed that his mind is made up but would not say whether it’s Cal, USC or Oregon.

McCarthy is expected to choose Cal because he’s been told he will start right away as a freshman, a source said. The source also said that McCarthy was told by USC that he’s not guaranteed a starting spot next season, but would be able to compete for one.

McCarthy is considered to be the No. 17 overall recruit in the country and No. 2 at his position of defensive tackle by Rivals.com. He was the Pasadena Star-News’ Defensive Player of the Year after leading Monrovia to its second-consecutive CIF-SS Mid-Valley Division championship.

Aram’s take: Please keep in mind that these situations are VERY FLUID. Kids change their minds at the last minute all the time. But I feel comfortable enough with the people I’ve spoken with to say that Cal is going to be McCarthy’s destination.

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