Vernaglia has big name visitor

While attending the Orange Lutheran (Calif.)- La Mirada (Calif.) game Friday night to check out two of the state's top prospects, Lancer athlete Anthony Vernaglia and Matador lineman Shannon Tevaga, we also spotted on the sideline USC head coach Pete Carroll joined by linebacker coach Nick Holt and recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron.

Vernaglia, a 6-3, 215 pound wide receiver-linebacker has been the object of USC's affection since early in the summer. Despite an early committment to Notre Dame, the Trojans haven't backed off Vernaglia.

Major eyebrows were raised last week when the Irish commitment not only showed up at the USC-UCLA game, he showed up wearing a Trojan shirt and seemed to be enjoying himself quite a bit. We talked to Vernaglia recently and he said his commitment to Notre Dame was as strong as ever and mentioned that he committed to the Irish for a lot of reason other than just football.

At the same time, we know Vernaglia is someone who loves the California beach lifestyle. He loves to surf, skin board and it always surprised us when he decided to leave home. Here's guessing, despite Vernaglia saying he's still a solid commitment, that this one won't be over until the talented athlete actually signs on the dotted line in February.

As for his performnace, the Trojan coaches couldn't have been disappointed. Vernaglia caught seven passes for 107 yards and a touchdown but it was on defense where he really shined. The linebacker was all over the field making plays including one forced fumble and one highlite real sack where he nailed La Mirada's quarterback right under the chin, lifted him off the ground and slammed him to the turf just as he was turning to throw.