Southern Cal offers Alonso football star

What arguably is the biggest scholarship offer to a local football player in the Class of 2009 to date came today when national power Southern Cal extended one to Alonso star Demonte McAllister, the standout defensive tackle told the Times. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound McAllister already had offers from the likes of Florida, Florida State and Miami, but this has added significance because USC typically has its pick of players on the West Coast.

Rivals.com rates McAllister as the country's 131st best prospect. As a junior, he earned Times All-County honorable mention honors. Ravens coach Mike Heldt said last week McAllister would name his five finalists sometime shortly after the conclusion of spring practice, which ends in late May.

Florida State was the first to offer, and in February McAllister told the Times he was "leaning" toward the Seminoles. But according to Heldt, McAllister has an open mind and plans to take several official visits in the fall.

Southern Cal already has 10 commitments from players in the Class of 2009, including quarterback Matt Barkley, the country's consensus No. 1 recruit. Every player currently committed to the Trojans is from California.

"We're obviously excited," Alonso coach Mike Heldt said. "It's an honor that they think that highly of them. Demonte is a pretty good football player, so I'm not all that amazed he got an offer from Southern Cal. He can play for them."

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Comments

USC might end up offering two here ... don't they liked Giddins?

[Filo Bedo]

DM=best player in the Bay

better than giddins????

[BJ]

I think it's awesome for the area that all these kids are being recognized. Don't have these petty arguements of who is better, who cares? They will all go on to the next level, more than most people get! Keep reporting on these kids and their awesome journey, from Murry and on, if people get sick of reading positive news from our athletes, then shame on them!

[shan]

Rather it's Demonte ,Giddins, one of his teamates or perhaps his little brother Kenneth as long as our kids are getting notice its a long time coming for the Tampa Bay area. Support is want we need not whos this who that its a hundred colleges out there.