Defensive line recruit Ellis McCarthy makes an appearance in this segment of reader questions.

Q: tqt888 said:
What happened with Ellis McCarthy? Based off your feelings, McCarthy was a USC lock. I’m getting tired of losing all of these 5 star recruits from DeAnthony Thomas to Vontaze Burfict to Mante Teo.

A: I know USC thought he was a lock about three weeks ago and he did a complete turnaround with Cal. USC is still contacting him and trying to get him to change his mind. He is also looking at UCLA and some believe that the Bruins are his current No. 2 choice.
It looks like Cal is going to keep defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi so that increases the Bears’ chances of keeping the commitment.
But USC really wanted him. On the other hand, USC did not think Shaq Thompson, who committed to Cal, was ever likely to commit to the Trojans.

Q: dtksr1 said:
Scott, I was going to ask you a harder question concerning the lackadasical attitude of the PAC-12 presidents towards football compared to other conferences, but I am so pissed at hearing top HS candidates, especially McCarthy, committing elewhere to lesser successful & cheaper supported programs, why… is this Armstead situation turning others off or what is it exactly?

A: I’ve heard two theories on McCarthy. One is that McCarthy wants to build something more than join a high-profile program. Another is that Cal was involved with McCarthy sooner than USC. It is hard to criticize USC recruiting too much when you look at Lane Kiffin’s first two recruiting classes. However, one critique I’ve heard is how USC stopped recruiting Marqise Lee, got in very late on Kyle Murphy and did not jump on McCarthy as fast it could have.
Because USC is USC, that doesn’t matter sometimes because Lee always wanted to go to USC. But maybe it hurt with McCarthy.

Q: NOBS said:
Where do you think Nick Holt will wind up? College or NFL? Do you think his firing was justified? (not just the bowl game)

A: I think he might be able to hook on with an NFL team as a position coach. That might be his best bet. He did get an offer from the Rams a few years ago when he returned to USC. But right now, his image needs some rehab so the NFL might be a good place to hide for a couple years.