Change of plans for Goethel

Vista (Calif.) linebacker Travis Goethel was supposed to be taking an official visit to USC this upcoming weekend. A communication problem between the two party's has now caused that visit to be moved until later in the month and at the same time, a new school has entered the race.

Goethel, 6-3, 220 pounds was recently named 1st team all-state by CalHiSports.com and after seeing him up close during the week of the CaliFlorida Bowl, it's easy to see why. The 'backer had an incredible week of practice and several onlookers as well as the coaching staff said Goethel was the top linebacker on the team.

Prior to the CaliFlorida Bowl, Goethel told us he had narrowed his choices down to Utah and Washington but he has since opened up things in his recruitment.

"Right after the game I got a call from USC," Goethel said. "They told me they wanted to trip me for this weekend (Jan. 13) and I was set to go. That was about two weeks ago and I hadn't heard from anyone at USC since so I assumed the trip was off. I made other plans with my family and then I just got a call from them last night seeing if I was still planning on visiting.

"Since I had already made plans, I told them I wasn't able to make it but we're going to set something up for later in the month. I have a visit set next weekend (Jan 20.) to Arizona State and I'm looking forward to that trip. That means the visit to USC will likely be the weekend of January 27.

"I think I'll be ready to make my decison after that last visit. Right now, everyone is still in it. I still like Utah and Washington a lot and then I'm interested in checking out both ASU and USC. I guess I'll be ready to make my decision around Signing Day."