THE PREPS : Marinovich Still Undecided; Stanford Lands Quarterback

Stanford University, one of two choices for Todd Marinovich, Capistrano Valley High School quarterback, has received an oral commitment from a top Louisiana high school quarterback.

Steve Smith from Covington High School near New Orleans has announced that he will sign a letter of intent to play at Stanford.

Marinovich, the national prep career passing leader, said earlier this week that he had narrowed his choices to Stanford and USC. He said he will announce his decision Wednesday, the first day high school football players can sign a national letter of intent.

“The Stanford coaches told Steve that (Todd) Marinovich is no longer a factor,” Jack Falter, Covington High football coach, told a reporter this week.

Stanford has three quarterbacks in its program. Redshirt freshman Brian Johnson started seven games, and backup Scott Stark of Capistrano Valley started against UCLA. Sophomore Jason Palumbis also is on the roster.

USC returns senior quarterback Rodney Peete, with sophomore backups Shane Foley (Newport Harbor) and Pat O’Hara (Santa Monica) listed on the roster.

Marinovich established the passing record with 9,165 yards in his four-year prep career. He made visits to Miami, Stanford and USC.