Four-star WR sees offers climb

Four-star wide receiver Austin Usher (6-4, 200, 4.4) from Los Angeles (Calif.) Jefferson has everything that D-I colleges want in a modern receiver prospect. He creates mismatches because of his height and he has dangerous deep threat speed.

Usher was selected first-team all-city and first-team all-league as a junior after he caught 21 passes for 595 yards and 12 touchdowns.

His 12 touchdown receptions represent more than half of his catches. How is that for production?

“Austin has gone from being insecure about his abilities as a sophomore to a player who is filled with confidence,” Jefferson coach Doi Johnson said. “Austin has a great burst and his acceleration is instantaneous. Because of his size, speed and other intangibles, Austin presents a slew of problems for a defense.”

Usher has set high goals for himself and is working long hours trying to achieve such goals.

“I want to become the best wide receiver in the nation,” Usher said. “I am working hard on that goal.”

“I’m getting a lot of help in that aim by going up against one of the best corners everyday in practice,” Usher said. “I haven’t gone up against a corner who is as good as my teammate Travis Smith.”

Usher has worked on his skills at the NIKE Camp held at Palo Alto where he was a standout. He will also attend the Beyond 2000 Elite Camp coming up later this month.

What is Usher looking for in a college?

“I’m looking for a good environment, good coaches and the graduation rate in my major,” Usher said. “I will major in psychology.”

Usher has offers on the table from Arizona, Arizona State, Washington, Washington State, Oregon, Oregon State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Colorado.

Usher is also getting interest from Florida, Michigan, USC and UCLA and the interest is mutual.

Usher’s top nine schools at this early juncture are Washington, Washington State, Oregon, Oregon State, Arizona, Arizona State, USC, UCLA and Florida. Washington and Oregon hold a slight lead at this time.

We must remember that it is early in the recruiting process and a player with all the opportunities that Usher has could change at a moments notice.

Another thing to remember is Usher’s Brother, Whitfield Usher, is an offensive lineman for Oregon State.