Published Oct 12, 2004
Spicer comments on USC-Cal game
Greg Biggins
Rivals100.com Recruiting Analyst
Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) defensive lineman Averell Spicer has four trips set and says he now knows who will get official visit No. 5. The top lineman in the West region also talks about the atmosphere at the USC- Cal game and who has the inside track for him right now.
Spicer, 6-2, 260 pounds is a national Hot 100 player and one of the top 10 players in the West region this year. He plays defensive end for Rancho but has the frame to bulk up into a nose guard or defensive tackle in college as well.
“Everyone is recruiting me for strong side defensive end and that’s where I want to play in college,” Spicer said. “So far, I’m having a good senior season. We’re 3-2 and I lead our team in tackles with 45 and also have four sacks. I’m playing all over the place on offense too and some colleges have even told me they can see me playing fullback in some goal line situations and that would be cool with me.”
Spicer was one of several top recruits who attended the huge USC- Cal game last weekend.
“That was an incredible game,” Spicer said. “USC really hung in there. On defense, they bent a little but never broke. If you can hold Cal to 17 points, that’s saying something. I think they could have played a little better but the bottom line is they kept them out of the end zone most of the game and that’s all that matters. I’ve never heard the Coliseum that loud before. It was really a great atmosphere and I think both teams are going to finish strong.”
Spicer has already visited Nebraska (Sept. 3) and has trips lined up with Florida State (Nov. 19), Oklahoma (Dec. 10) and USC (Jan. 14).
“My last trip will be to Oregon State but I haven’t set the date with them yet,” Spicer said. “It will probably be sometime in January. Right now, I think it will come down to USC, Florida State and Nebraska. I loved my visit to Nebraska and can definitely see myself playing there. FSU was my favorite school growing up and I lived in Orlando for awhile before moving to Cali five or six years ago.
“USC is recruiting me the hardest and I love Coach Orgeron. A lot of people think I’m locked up for them but honestly, if I knew USC was where I wanted to be, I would have already committed there. I’m not delaying things just to take visits, I really don’t know where I’m going yet and will have to wait until all my trips are through before I’ll be able to make a decision.”