Joseph getting close on decision

There may not be a better pure cover corner out West this year than Long Beach Poly's (Calif.) Vincent Joseph. In fact, we've said it before but it bears repeating, if Joseph was a few inches taller, he would likely be among the top five corners nationally in our eyes.

Joseph, 5-9, 170 pounds is a player we've been tracking since his sophomore season and he has really developed in a to a very talented player. Although not blessed with great size, Joseph is a very tough, physical player and backs down from nobody. In terms of his size, speed and physical style, Joseph reminds us a little of former Edison, Fresno and UCLA corner Ricky Manning and we think he has a chance to be an excellent college player.

On the recruiting front, things are starting to get serious for Joseph and he said he could be making his decision in a matter of weeks.

"No matter what, I plan on taking my trips but I could commit pretty soon here," Joseph said. "Oregon is my leader and I like them enough to commit early but that could change if USC offers me. I talked to Coach Franklin (USC DL coach) this week and he told me Coach Carroll and Coach Burns (DB coach) are coming to my game this Friday and if they like what they see, there's a good chance they'll offer.

"He said they like me a lot and pointed out how many passing yards they gave up against Hawaii and how they could use someone like me. I've always liked USC a lot, I mean, how can you not, they're the national champions and just rolling right now. If they were to offer me, it would be very tough to turn them down. Right now, my plan is to wait a couple of weeks and see what happens with USC. If they don't offer me by the end of the month, I'm going to commit to Oregon. I'll tell you though, with Coach Carroll being there on Friday, I'm going to be like a wild animal on the field."

Joseph has official visits set up to Washington State (Oct. 21) and Oregon (Jan. 6). He'll also take an unofficial visit to Washington next weekend when Poly travels to Seattle to take on a very tough Bellevue (Wash.) team.

"We're not overlooking Centennial who we have this weekend but there is so much riding on that Bellevue game," Joseph said. "After they beat De La Salle last year, if they take us out, they're going to think California football is a joke so we have to step it up and win that game. Afterwards, my mom and I are going to check out Washington and see how it looks. I've talked to Coach Willingham a few times and I like him a lot.

"I'm also very interested in Cal, especially with my boy Desean (Jackson) doing his thing there. Cal was one of the first schools to offer me and I've always liked them. Like I said, even if I commit early, I'm still taking some trips. That Oregon one will be fun because we're all going up for that one. Me, Travon (Patterson), Terrence (Austin) and Jurray (Casey), they've offered all of us so that will be a good time."