Mouton sets final official visit

When USC hosts cross town rival UCLA on December 3, the Trojans will be bringing in one of the most impressive group of official visitors we can ever remember. So far, 10 players have confirmed to officially visit the campus that weekend, all 10 are top 100 players nationally with the most recent player to line up a visit being Los Angeles (Calif.) Venice safety Jonas Mouton.

Mouton, 6-3, 210 pounds is having another big season on both sides of the ball. He has played all over the field for the Gondoliers this season and said he wouldn't want it any other way.

"I never leave the field," Mouton said. "I've played running back, receiver and tight end on offense, plus linebacker and safety on defense and I play on all the special teams units as well. It's fun for me though, this is my last season where I'll be able to play both ways so I just want to go out there and play as much as possible. I don't know how many games left I have so I'm really enjoying every chance I get to be on the field."

On the season, Mouton has rushed for 130 yards and one touchdown, caught 35 balls for 471 yards and six touchdowns, including a 90 yarder last week at receiver while leading the team in tackles with 93 tackles, one interception and one safety. Mouton runs well for a big safety and hits like a linebacker. He has the size, toughness and athleticism to play linebacker or safety in college although he prefers safety.

On the recruiting front, Mouton has already taken official visits to Nebraska, Michigan and LSU and said he's down to four schools right now.

"It's those three plus USC," Mouton said. "I'm taking an official visit to USC (Dec. 2) for the UCLA game. I know they have a lot of big name players tripping in that weekend so it should be fun. I've heard about a lot of them but the only one I've met is Allen Bradford because we tripped to Nebraska together.

"Right now, I still don't have one school that stands out above the others. I'm trying to weight each school against each other but it's tough because I really like all the schools a lot for different reasons. I'm just trying to find the best overall fit for me and the place where I'll be most comfortable. I want to go to a college where I'll have a good relationship with the coaches and I'll be more than just a football player to them.

"Some coaches when they talk to you, you can tell they're not really sincere. They say they'll take care care of you and make sure you're doing well as a student but once you get there, it's all football. I don't want that, I'm looking for a staff that cares about me and will push me academically as well as in football. Playing time is important to but I'm not going to be scared off by competition. Location won't play a part at all. I have no problem leaving home if the best school for me is away from home. After my trip to USC, I'll take some time to figure things out and will make my decision whenever it comes to me. I'm not planning to announce at any of the all-star games or anything, just when I know, I'll go ahead and commit."