XAVIER. GRIMBLE.
It didn't take Rick Neuheisel long to make an impression on one USC commit.
Bishop Gorman (Nev.) tight end Xavier Grimble, the number one tight end prospect in the country, loves the approach the UCLA head coach is taking with him, on a personal level.
But he's not ready to jump ship just yet.
"I wouldn't go as far as saying they're my favorite, but they're a strong consideration," Grimble said after school ended today. "They're close to home, they're an up-and-coming team and my relationship with Rick Neuheisel is really good. He wants me not just as a player but as a person, and I really feel that from him. When it comes down to everything - I need to wait and see what goes on and talk with my family - they're definitely going to be in the decision."
It's a far cry from the solid USC commit Grimble has been for several months.
A 6-foot-5, 245-pound specimen Grimble committed to the Trojans in April.
But...
"Just like everybody else it was a big shocker," Grimble said. "But unlike some, I don't think of it as Pete Carroll lying or saying he was going to be there always. It was a golden opportunity for him. Sometimes it's not too bad to move on. I wish he would've stayed and would've been there, but I fully understand the opportunity for him. But I was very shocked."
Grimble said he is in the process of setting up an official visit for this weekend but that nothing is finalized.
After a 4-8 season, the Bruins' three-game improvement opened his eyes, particularly as the team marked improvement on offense.
"I was really interested to see it - my dad likes UCLA and was really happy when Coach Neuheisel got the job," Grimble said. "That was my second offer and I was interested to see what he could do with the team. He came out this year, got a big win against Tennessee and did a great job taking a team that was pretty low last year and bringing them back."
Ultimately, it might be that connection with Neuheisel that brings Grimble to Westwood.
"They're definitely an up-and-coming program," Grimble said. "That's always a grand opportunity to be a part of, the start of something new and fresh with Rick Neuheisel. My dad loves him, my family loves him. He's real genuine and he's real honest with me."
like to see that he values honesty. if it comes out that Pete the Cheat just ran from the upcoming sanctions, and SC's program is hit hard, it could show that they too are dishonest as a program. that should point him in the right direction.
like to see that he values honesty. if it comes out that Pete the Cheat just ran from the upcoming sanctions, and SC's program is hit hard, it could show that they too are dishonest as a program. that should point him in the right direction.
If only he played defensive tackle.
2 years, stealing 2 #1 TE's from SUC. It would be awesome. I have faith in CRN, our coaches, players & school.
im sure hes a beast and would be a welcomed addition but i think we have bigger holes to fill than TE
just got word that damien thigpen is going switch over to DT
Although that's true, Tripod, but we shouldn't turn down interests from #1 rated TE. If we are going to compete for BCS, I'll take as many top 50 players in the country as possible.
anyone who commits to usc sucks
Live press conference from SUC:
http://espn.go.com/livenow/losangeles/
Timing is everything: SC alum, Mark McGwire comes clean to distract from the PC disaster or to show Reggie Bush and Joe Mcknight the enlightened way?
Bones, I'm listening to it right now. I need a barf bag
The Hammer cometh...
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news;_ylt=AnOJqGf7L6RWe2MDsGP6wFQcvrYF?slug=ys-uscprobe01110&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Can today get any better??? Today is the first day of my unemployment, and yet, I feel so happy...
For those looking for help on the DL, don't forget about Xavier's brother Jalen, who is a top DE in next year's class. And, Yes, I know we need help now.