Spiller still has USC leading

Rivals100 running back C.J. Spiller out of Lake Butler (Fla.) Union County traveled out West last weekend for his first official visit to his leader Southern Cal. The 5-foot-9, 185-pounder with 4.4-second speed came away very impressed from the entire experience.

"I got there Saturday around 4:45 p.m. because my flight got delayed," he said. "This resulted in me not being able to see the campus, but I did go to the game and hang out with the players including Lendale White and my host Dwayne Jarrett. He was a really cool guy and real impressive. He told me if I went there I'd probably be able to play right away and told me where I fit best with the coaches.

"On the visit I also got to talk to almost all of the coaches. Pete Carroll is a great guy and very energetic and down to earth. He's a great coach. He told me if I come there I can wear No. 5 or No. 28. That's really great to know that I can wear Reggie's number."

From the trip, Spiller particularly enjoyed taking in the Trojans 50-42 shootout victory over Fresno State.

"The game itself was fantastic," he said. "Reggie Bush is a lot faster in person than on TV and he showed everybody why he'll probably win the Heisman. The atmosphere there was really high and the crowd was in it the whole time. I liked how they run the offense and they go to their running backs in crunch time."

The four-star prospect rated his trip to USC an eight or eight and a half.

"I had a great time and the people treat you wonderfully in California," he said. "I was a little disappointed I didn't get to see the campus as that was a big drawback. I'd still say they are my leader though."

Spiller hasn't scheduled any other officials at this time.

On Friday, the Fighting Tigers lost a heartbreaker to Trinity Catholic in the second round of the playoffs.

"I finished the year with over 1,800 yards rushing and 30 touchdowns," he said. "I'm very happy with how our season went, although it didn't end the way I wanted it to. I felt I did improve a lot however especially with my speed and knowing when to use it to my advantage."