Powell visits USC with teammates

Shaquille Powell got to experience the USC-Oregon game this past weekend and it was an exciting time for the junior from Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman who might be one of the best running backs in the west next recruiting cycle.

Powell, a 5-foot-10, 185-pound all-purpose back, said he visited USC with 2012 teammates Ronnie Stanley and Ron Scoggins and Trojans commit Jalen Grimble, a senior defensive end.

Not only did Powell enjoy the atmosphere inside the stadium but liked walking around campus, seeing the tailgating and soaking in the big-time college football environment in Los Angeles.

"I was walking around campus and getting a feel for what the college was like and it was a pretty exciting atmosphere especially the tailgating," Powell said.

"It was loud inside the stadium. It was louder than anything I've ever experienced. The fan base was excellent. I've never seen anything like it."

Recruiting has not exactly taken off for Powell yet although USC, Oregon, UCLA, Oklahoma, Arizona State and UNLV are some of the programs sending mail. More are sure to get involved sooner or later.

Powell hasn't picked up any verbal offers yet even though he's rushed for about 925 yards and 14 touchdowns on 84 carries this season. As a sophomore, Powell finished with 1,555 yards and 29 scores on 135 attempts.

The Bishop Gorman standout is patient though and has seen teammates get highly recruited as their senior seasons approach. He's more focused on winning games and getting better at this point and said he's not too concerned about colleges just yet. There is more than enough time for him to get national exposure.

"Right now I'm just keeping everything open," Powell said. "It's been a slow process. I'm just waiting for my opportunity."