Bradford announces for the Trojans

What started off looking like a very tight race most of the year became one sided down the stretch and Colton (Calif.) linebacker Allen Bradford surprised no one by committing to USC during the Army All-American game.

Bradford, 6-1, 220 pounds is the top linebacker in the west region and the top overall player in the region as well. He had offers from just about every top school in the nation but narrowed his choices to USC and UCLA.

Many felt Bradford might have been leaning to UCLA most of the year as the Bruins were clearly the favorite for the rest of his family. However, things changed when the athlete took his visit to USC the weekend of December 3 and saw the Trojans blow out the Bruins up close and personal.

Following the visit, Bradford said USC was his leader and that's how things remained the rest of his recruitment.

"I just like everything about USC," Bradford said. "Watching how the team prepares for their games and how intense the coaching staff is, it really separated them. USC is on top right now and I want to help them keep things going. My visit was pretty eye opening but it wasn't just about the game, really it was just watching how they prepare and like I said, I love how fired up the coaches are.

"They have a lot of good players on the team but that's fine with me. I'm not afraid to compete and I'm excited about the chance to play with other great players. Coach Carroll has shown that he'll play freshmen and that's what I'm looking to do. "

Bradford starred at both linebacker and running back this past season and was the runner-up for CA state player of the year honors.

"USC is bringing me in to play safety and I think that's my best college position," Bradford said. "I have the speed to play there and my size is probably better suited to playing safety in college."