Another big offer for big 2009 DT

The season is over but the recruitment is just beginning for 2009 defensive tackle Chris Davenport. After already pulling in offers from some major programs such as Boston College and LSU, another national heavyweight has thrown its hat in the ring.

"USC offered me Thursday of last week," Davenport said. "I had been calling coach Norton. He's a real good guy. USC is a good team. I like them. They're a pretty good team. I haven't been out there but I've got family that stays in California."

Norton discussed with Davenport some of the ways they would use the massive lineman and defensive tackle may not be the only thought.

"They told me they want to use me mostly at the 3-technique or at defensive end," he said.

Davenport is still in the learning process but says that Southern California is definitely one of the schools he'd like to learn more about.

With his junior season now over, Davenport may not have much more time to devote to the recruiting process as he has already jumped right into basketball.

"I'm playing center and power forward," he said. "Basketball helps me a lot. It helps make my footwork better and makes me quicker. I love blocking out and rebounding. I've been playing ever since my freshman year. I think last year I averaged about 10 or 12 points per game."

While he hasn't had much time to dwell on his team's early exit from the playoffs, the loss still stings.

"It was a good game because on the defensive side we played great," he said. "I wanted to go further in the playoffs because every year around this time we end up getting knocked out and I wanted to break the streak. It was a successful year because we were young and we just went out and played to the best of our abilities. We're going to have high expectations next year."