USC Leads For Stud Cali Junior DL

Although we're just getting in to the most exciting time in recruiting for the class of 2004, it's never too early to look ahead as next year's standouts. In conjunction with the CaliFlorida Bowl January 2, we did a Junior Day featuring several of the state's top prospects including standout rush end Averell Spicer.

Spicer, 6-1, 250 pounds from Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) will be one of the most heavily recruited players out West next season. We first saw the junior last summer at the SoCal Nike Camp where he was one of the top players in attendance. Spicer clocked a 4.77 in the 40, jumped 31 inches in the vertical and did 15 reps on the bench. He played linebacker early in his high school career but was moved to defensive end this past season which is also where he projects in college.

Spicer finished the year with 59 tackles and 13 quarterback sacks and reminds us, in terms of his size and playing style, to current Pomona (Calif.) standout Eugene Germany.

"Oregon State is my only offer right now but I was told a few more schools could be offering me early on," Spicer said. "Right now USC is my leader and I have a top five of Miami, Oregon State, Florida State and Oklahoma. I'm hearing from the entire Pac 10 along with Nebraska, Notre Dame, Michigan, Colorado, Michigan State and Alabama."

Academically, Spicer is carrying a 3.0 GPA and said the main factors for him in his college decision will be the strength of the football program, academics and location.

To talk West Coast Football recruiting, check out the PacWestFootball message board at StudentSports.com- PacWestFootball