Trojans lead for Marvin Austin
Washington (D.C.) Ballou defensive tackle Marvin Austin has had a busy weekend. After winning the city championship 34-33 over arch-rival Dunbar High School, Austin found himself on national television twice while on his official visit to Southern Cal.
"Winning the championship was a goal and I'm glad we accomplished it as a team," said the 6-foot-2, 291-pounder. "Now I can focus on the next level. My visit this weekend to USC was my best one so far, I had a great time and I can see myself playing there. It was a great trip."
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Austin was hosted by defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis and recognized a few familiar faces.
"I talked with Vidal Hazelton and Antwine Perez, I was at some combines last year with them and they're east coast guys," he said. "They really like it out there so that's good to hear."
Austin took a tour of L.A. and found himself attracted to the city.
"It's a combination of D.C. and New York I'd say," he said. "There aren't a ton of tall buildings but there's a lot going on all the time. The only drawback I could think of would be the distance, if I can get past that I can't think of anything wrong."
Austin said the game itself was special.
"It was loud and crazy," he said. "The crowd was going nuts and standing every second and the game was exciting. They took it to Notre Dame and the defense played great."
Austin was on national television twice on Saturday.
"I was on College Gameday but I didn't get to see it, I was still asleep but it was cool taping it and I'll get a copy," he said. "I guess they also showed me at the pep rally the night before the game dancing in the locker room. I was having a good time."
So does Southern Cal lead the way now?
"Yes, they're my No. 1 right now," said Austin, who has also visited Illinois and Tennessee. "It was by far my best trip and I like the way the players and coaches are. It's serious business but they also have fun. They can win every game and still have a great time."
Austin is being recruited by USC running backs coach Todd McNair.
"He's my man," Austin said. "He's a cool guy. All the coaches were cool."
And next for the nation's No. 1 defensive tackle?
"Maryland is coming up, I'm taking an official visit there I think on Dec. 8," said Austin. "Then I'm taking Florida State on Jan. 26 and that's it. It's down to those five and I'll decide around Signing Day."