Huskers lead for 3-star ATH

It has essentially become a two-team race for Homewood, Ala., athlete Ameer Abdullah with Nebraska in the lead over Southern California.

"They're more than a little bit [out in front],"Abdullah said Monday. "But not way out."

The 5-foot-9, 177-pound Abdullah, whom Nebraska is recruiting as a running back, visited the Cornhuskers over the weekend, and almost committed. Ultimately, though, he decided it was best to wait just a little longer before making his final decision.

"My dad couldn't make the trip, and I didn't think it was right to commit there without talking to my parents," Abdullah said.

To say the least, the visit to Lincoln went well.

"It was actually better than I thought it would be," Abdullah said. "Their facilities were amazing. I haven't seen anything like that yet. I told my parents I really like the program. They only have one running back coming back that's on scholarship. I could get early playing time, and definitely by my sophomore year I could be getting major playing time."

According to Abdullah, he likely will receive a visit from Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini and running backs coach Tim Beck this week.

Abdullah initially planned to visit USC, which is recruiting him to play cornerback, on Jan. 28, but on Monday he said that trip likely will take place this weekend instead. Trojans assistant Willie Mack Garza might also be stopping through Alabama to see Abdullah this week.

Asked if the Trojans had some work to do to catch up to Nebraska, Abdullah replied, "Yeah, a little bit."

That said, he doesn't expect to make a commitment until he checks out USC.

"I'm real close to [picking Nebraska]," Abdullah said. "This weekend, thoughts ran through my mind -- 'Should I commit?' But I want to visit USC to see what they have to offer. You never know until you get there.