A star is born
A star was born at yesterday's USC camp (June 10th). Just by the looks of this athlete you could see he had star presence. USC head coach Pete Carroll and his assistants had an eye on this young man the moment he arrived at the camp.
The player who opened everyone eyes in attendance was running back/cornerback Omar Bolden (5-11, 187, 4.4) from Ontario (Calif.) The Colony.
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Bolden is being recruited as an athlete and at yesterday's camp he certainly lived up to his reputation.
According to Bolden yesterday was the first time he has ever lined up at corner. He played running back and linebacker as a junior, but he took to the cornerback position like a Duck takes to water.
During the seven-on-seven drills he took on all comers, battled them and won.
The play of the camp involved Bolden and five-start athlete prospect Joe McKnight (5-11, 180, 4.6) from River Ridge (La.) John Curtis.
McKnight was having a stellar camp and was getting oohs and awes all day long.
The talented athlete caught a swing pass and was trying to move the football up field. It wasn't clear at this point if McKnight was trying to make a move on Bolden or he tried to run him over.
What was clear was there was a huge collision and during the violence Bolden stripped McKnight of the football much to the delight of the USC coaching staff and the fans on hand.
It was quite a play. The thing is Bolden was impressive all day and received a lot of face time from Carroll and other USC coaches.
Remember yesterday was his first day playing the position. If that is true this young man as unlimited potential.
"I came to USC's camp to earn a scholarship," Bolden said. "I want to better my life with a good education."
Though Bolden made a good case for an offer he didn't receive an offer that day but there could be one in the future.
Not to worry however, Bolden already has two offers on the table.
Washington and UTEP are ahead of the recruiting curve and have offered Bolden.
Bolden received phone calls from USC, Washington and ASU this past spring evaluation period.
"I want to major in culinary arts," Bolden said. "I like to cook."
"I don't care where I go to school," Bolden said. "I just want to get an education, better my life and play football."
Though Bolden missed four games as a junior due to an injury he still earned all-league honors and was his team's MVP.
On the offensive side of the ball, Bolden rushed for 656 yards and scored five touchdowns while averaging 7.9 yards per carry.
While playing linebacker on defense, Bolden racked up 40 tackles, one pick and one sack.
As a sophomore, Bolden was an all-state performer.