USC Wednesday landed a verbal commitment from WR Joseph Hills (6-4 195) of Bradenton, FL. Hills committed in person to his recruiter David Reaves and then talked on the phone with head coach Steve Spurrier. "It's closer to home and there's the chance for playing right away," Hills said. "My family loved it and I loved it. They need receivers desperately. The receivers they have are okay, but I feel like I can go in and play right away. That's what it's about, playing right away as a true freshman." Hills had over 30 offers and he also made official visits to LSU and Georgia. This season he had 50 catches for 600 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also had 5 interceptions as a safety.
Other notes on Hills: Hills is a 4 star prospect and the 16th best athlete in the nation. He is projected to start off at WR and grow into a TE.
WR Jason Barnes (6-4 196) of Charlotte committed Wednesday morning to USC according to his coach Tom Knotts. Barnes had been torn between USC and North Carolina for months. "I'm just glad he finally made a decision," Knotts said. "He made the best decision for he and his family. Coach (Fred) Chatham did a great job." Chatham made his in home visit with the family Tuesday night and got the call from Barnes Wednesday morning. Barnes is a Shrine Bowl selection.
Other notes on Barnes: Barnes in a 3 star WR but is projected to jump to 4 stars with a good Shrine Bowl showing. He is a player that both Spurrier SR. and JR. wanted badly..
Other notes on recruiting: QB Stephen Garcia (6-3 218) of Tampa has scheduled a news conference for next Wednesday afternoon at his school to announce his college decision, and he left little doubt Wednesday afternoon he will be announcing for USC. "It's safe to say that," Garcia said. "But I do want to keep the suspense going a little bit longer." Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops is coming in Monday for an in home visit. His Ole Miss recruiter is coming in Sunday. USC head coach Steve Spurrier and assistant David Reaves made their in home visits Tuesday night. "It went really well," Garcia said. "They really want me to come up there early and start competing with the other quarterbacks. They want to start coaching me really quickly." Garcia added that Spurrier left his home with a good idea about what he's thinking. "He's got a pretty good feeling already," Garcia said. "There's not much to worry about." Garcia can graduate from high school early and is leaning towards doing so but he said he has not made a definite decision on that. Garcia will play Saturday in his county's all star game.
DE Carlos Dunlap 6-6 245) of Fort Dorchester has scheduled his official visit to USC for January 13th, the primary recruiting weekend for the Gamecocks this recruiting season. That's the first official visit date firmed up by Dunlap. He is also considering Clemson, Florida, Tennessee and several others for official visits
