USC bridges the gap for McQuay

Last weekend, Leon McQuay III took his final official visit to USC.

The trip was big for a number of reasons as SC was able to give their final sales pitch, his mom made the trip after missing his unofficial back in September, and the Trojans staff helped alleviate any concerns over the resignation of Monte Kiffin.

In fact the elder Kiffin was in building when the McQuay's arrived. Leon McQuay's father caught up with Rivals.com to share some feedback on the visit.

Mr. McQuay said, "It was a good overall trip. We got to learn more about the music department and his major. But it was more a trip for his mom to see what they have to offer."

The process hasn't been easy on the five-star safety as the defections of college coaches at two of his finalists gave him something to ponder. The Trojans announced the aforementioned resignation of Kiffin and Florida State lost Mark Stoops to Kentucky. However, each school is still in the mix and hasn't been ruled out according McQuay's father.

Two of his other top choices Oregon and Vanderbilt had to deal with the rumor mill of their head coaches moving on to bigger and better with Ducks head coach Chip Kelly being linked to the NFL and Franklin being courted by a host of schools. In the end Franklin received an extension and Kelly has the Ducks back in the BCS.

As far as Mr. McQuay is concerned SC was able "bridge the gap" in regards to losing the beloved Kiffin.

Kiffin's value can't be understated when discussing USC. He is a big reason why Seffner (Fla.) Armwood star is considering playing out west. The McQuay's have followed the Super Bowl champion coach since he implemented the Tampa 2 defense as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator.

Right now the prolific safety doesn't appear to be any closer to his decision. He isn't doing many media interviews and is keeping his cards close to the vest.

His dad remarked "It's his decision. He has taken all of his visits. Now it's his choice on where he will end up."

He will announce at the Under Armour All-American Game in St. Petersburg, Florida on January 4.