Nations top OG heading west

Elkton (Md.) Eastern Christian Academy offensive guard Khaliel Rodgers has been rumored to be a USC lean for some time. However, there was a slight problem -- he didn't have an offer.

But after his coach received an offer from Lane Kiffin out at the Rising Stars camp in late June, the wheels were in motion for yet another ECA player headed to Trojan Town.

"I committed to USC just now before we started training," said the 6-foot-2, 300-pounder who is rated as the nation's No. 1 offensive guard.

"I just had to think about it for a little while after I finally got the offer, but USC felt like home when I visited, it's a great place with great academics and football and I have two teammates going there so everything fit."

Rodgers, ranked as the No. 64 prospect in the country, joins current 2013 USC commitment Kenny Bigelow and 2015 USC commitment David Sills as Trojans. Bigelow is the No. 6 player overall and No. 2 strongside defensive end while Sills is considered one of the best quarterbacks in his class.

"It wasn't that much of a factor to be honest, playing with Kenny and David," he said. "I mean it's great, don't get me wrong, but we all knew we had to do what was right for each of us. But Kenny is so happy right now and so am I. Little David doesn't know yet, he's out in California so he'll find out soon enough. My coach (Dwayne Thomas) went out there with Kenny for Rising Stars and when he told me I had the offer I was excited, but I had to really think it over. I'm glad I made this decision though, recruiting is over for me."

Rodgers spoke to Lane Kiffin and Clay Helton today and both were pumped. He will talk to offensive line coach James Cregg tonight.

"They were very happy," he said. "It's like a big family out there, that's part of what I liked. I will play guard for them, guard all the way and I can't wait to get started. Now we can focus on our season and all of this is behind me."

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