DE Reardon selects USC

Defensive end Michael Reardon out of Villa Park (Calif.) Orange Lutheran is joining teammate and Rivals100 star Aaron Corp to Southern Cal. The 6-foot-6, 245-pounder gave his commitment to Pete Carroll and the Trojans this morning.

"As a family we had been talking about it the past few days and I know Michael felt like USC was where he wanted to go and he loves it there," his mother, Jennifer Reardon stated. "He loves the coaching staff and realized that is the place he wants to be. It was a big decision, but he thought long and hard about it.

"He talked to coach Carroll this morning and was so happy making the decision because in his heart that is where he wants to be. We went out to USC for both camp and junior day and he always was hoping to get that offer. He came away from junior day disappointed since he didn't get the offer, but after he received it at camp recently he was very excited. He has really wanted to go there for a long time and I know USC is his dream school."

What in particular made Reardon select the Trojans?

"I know he really loves the school and the coaching staff," she said. "In particular he is amazed by the enthusiasm the coaches have there, it is great and he loves that. The other thing that he liked about them was that he had offers from schools like Notre Dame, but he told me he doesn't want to be that far away from home. Finally, the fact his friend Aaron is going didn't directly play a factor, but I know it's a nice bonus for him. They are real good friends."

Reardon finished with 21 offers and selected Southern Cal over offers from Notre Dame, Stanford, Boston College, Nebraska, Arizona, Oregon State and more.