USC lands second commitment of the week

It’s been a good week for USC. First, the Trojans held on to their No. 1 ranking with a stirring win over a very strong California team. On Monday, they received a commitment from talented linebacker Kaluka Maiava and then added another commitment from talented San Bernardino (Calif.) Arroyo Valley athlete Michael Coleman yesterday.

“We’re all very excited for him,” Arroyo Valley head coach Tony DiThomas said. “USC is always where he wanted to go, and when they offered him last Tuesday, he was all ready to commit. He came to school the next day and said he was ready to end the process but wanted to do it in person.

“So our principal allowed us to be excused for part of the day and Michael, myself and his father all went and met with Coach (Pete) Carroll yesterday. It was very exciting to be a part of it and the USC coaching staff was first class all the way. We talked about where Michael would play because he’s such a versatile kid and could play about four or five different positions. Coach Carroll just smiled and said honestly he had no idea where he would play, but just wanted him in a Trojan uniform.

“Coach Carroll said their staff would meet on that and I’m sure there will be some battles going on for who gets to coach Michael. He has been our quarterback for all four years here so in my eyes, I really think he can play quarterback at that level. At the same time, Michael really has a defensive mentality and loves to hit. He’s 6-1, 225 pounds and runs a legit 4.5 for us every time we time him, so I think his best college position could weak side linebacker.

"I think he could be a Matt Grootegoed-type of player for them. They also mentioned they like the idea of putting him next to Darnell Bing and having two 225-pound safeties that can run and hit playing side-by-side, and I think he could do that, too.

“Like I said, Michael is just a great athlete and could help in a number of positions. He’s as good a person as he is a player as well and will really represent the university well at USC. That’s the number one program in the country, and for them to want Michael to be a part of the program, you just can’t do any better than that.”

Coleman had a huge game this past weekend in the teams 28-20 win over Rancho Verde of Moreno Valley. The athlete gained 385 of the Hawks’ 412-yard total. He picked up 257 yards passing with three touchdowns and added another 128 yards on the ground.