Atkinson talks about latest offer

George Atkinson III has been picking up big-time offers all spring and his recruitment became even bigger last week when Southern Cal offered.

The Livermore (Calif.) Granada standout said the Trojans are definitely one of his top teams and he hopes to make a visit soon. If he cannot get down to Southern Cal, he wants to attend the Rising Stars Camp this summer to get a better feel for the place. Either way, at some point soon, Atkinson wants to see what USC is all about.

"It's a big, well-known school and everything," Atkinson said. "It's a big decision to make now. I have to look at all the options I have, too. I'm definitely going to consider them and take a visit and see how the program is doing."

Most schools are recruiting Atkinson as a wide receiver or an athlete - he usually plays running back in high school - and he said the Southern Cal coaches weren't specific on which position he'd play there but he believes it would be receiver.

That's fine with him because many of his other favorites - Oregon, California, UCLA to name a few - are also looking to put him at receiver. As long as Atkinson can get the ball in his hands and make plays he's fine with moving away from being strictly a running back.

One of the major reasons Atkinson would like to visit Southern Cal as soon as possible is so he can get a better feel for the new coaching staff. He knew general things about coach Lane Kiffin - that he coached at Tennessee and for the Oakland Raiders - but Atkinson wants to get a better feel for the program's direction.

"I definitely want to get down there to get to know the coaching staff and the area because that's where I might be living for four years," Atkinson said.

"I hope I can get down there soon so I can see a practice or something and then definitely in the summer I'll try to make it to that Rising Stars Camp. I definitely want to take a visit down there."

Oregon is also high on the list for Atkinson, a Rivals 250 to watch member, especially after he visited for its recent junior day and was blown away by the facilities. His brother, Josh, has also been offered by the Ducks and playing together is a factor in their decision-making process.

Atkinson, who also lists offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Illinois, Washington and many others, was on Cal's campus for the Rivals.com Five-Star Academy last month and the Golden Bears are certainly in contention.

UCLA is also a major player and Atkinson, a 6-foot-2, 194-pound recruit, recently met with the coaching staff and said the Bruins are definitely under serious consideration.

"I got a chance to talk to a lot of the coaches and I really like it over there," Atkinson said. "I can tell they want me over there and I like how the practices are run. I saw the facilities and the campus is right by the beach so that's good, too."