College Recruits Make Their Decisive Moves

Tustin running back DeShaun Foster, Imperial High linebacker Robert Thomas, offensive linemen Mike Saffer of Tucson Sabino and Capistrano Valley lineman Blake Worley, defensive lineman Ken Kocher of San Diego Patrick Henry and defensive back Lovell Houston of Denver Thomas Jefferson were among the 24 high school seniors and two junior college transfers who gave UCLA what is regarded as one of the top recruiting classes in the nation.

“I don’t know how you evaluate who is No. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5,” said Bruin Coach Bob Toledo, who guided UCLA to a 10-2 record last season. “I just know we got a good recruiting class. . . . You don’t know how good they really are until they get to campus and put on the pads.”

Compton Dominguez quarterback Jason Thomas, Santa Margarita quarterback Carson Palmer, Pasadena Muir running back Sultan McCullough and Lakewood Mayfair offensive lineman Zach Wilson were among the 12 high school and junior college players who signed with USC. The Trojans also have two high school players and three junior college transfers enrolled at USC for the spring semester and who will participate in spring practice.

USC Coach Paul Hackett said the Trojans were hurt some by the uncertainty that followed the firing of John Robinson. He also said the Trojans still have five scholarships available.

“I think we lost some guys that we would have gotten,” said Hackett, who was the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator before taking over at USC on Jan. 8. “I can’t worry about those guys. I’m just happy about the guys who did come here.”

Thomas had announced that he would attend USC shortly after he suffered an ankle injury against Antelope Valley.

Adam Fisher, an offensive lineman from Huntington Beach High, signed with California. Fisher, 6-6, 280 pounds, was a two-year starter and a first-team All-Sunset League selection last season. . . . Andre Banks, a wide receiver from Kennedy High, signed with Boise State. Banks is 6-3, 185 pounds. . . . Jason Parrott, a free safety at Saddleback College, has signed with Iowa State. . . . Austin Allen, a 6-2, 225-pound linebacker from Capistrano Valley, signed with Nevada Las Vegas.

Staff writer Greg Sandoval contributed to this story.