Recruits Weigh Impactof Game

Lorenzo Booker settled into his 50-yard-line seat Saturday at the Coliseum surrounded by other coveted high school football recruits deciding between USC and UCLA, among other colleges.

The Ventura St. Bonaventure High tailback, a guest of the Trojans, had been impressed by USC’s recent victories over Arizona, Oregon State and California, but harbored doubts about the Trojans’ future as they prepared to play No. 20 UCLA.

Not any more.

Not after USC walloped UCLA, 27-0, in a game that could be a difference-maker for recruits torn between the schools.

“USC has the upper hand in California as far as recruiting goes now,” said Booker, who added that he is leaning toward USC. “[The victory] may change a whole lot of guys’ minds. I think it actually will.

“It definitely changed my mind about a lot of things. I was definitely impressed. What they showed me last Saturday, it looks like they have a pretty bright future.”

Other recruits said they are still giving the schools equal consideration.

Long Beach Poly’s Winston Justice, a 6-foot-7, 300-pound lineman who is perhaps the most coveted local recruit, said the lopsided outcome didn’t sway him toward USC.

“I was surprised that USC blew them out like that,” said Justice, who has been projected by many as a college starter next season. “I came there thinking UCLA was going to win. But it was totally the opposite.”

Justice did acknowledge that the victory gave him more confidence in USC because their recent victories hadn’t impressed him. “We [Poly] could beat Cal,” he said.

Booker, who holds state records for career yardage and scoring, is also considering Florida State, Washington, Notre Dame and Texas, though he has indicated he would prefer to stay closer to home. UCLA piqued Booker’s interests after starting the season 6-0, though the Bruins have dropped their last four games.

Booker said he feels more comfortable at USC because he has more friends there, and as a result he has attended more games this season at the Coliseum (four) than at the Rose Bowl (one). He said the Trojans have treated him like a king during his visits, and he was especially tickled Saturday when a woman in the crowd recognized him and told him to hurry up and sign with USC.

“When I was watching UCLA earlier in the year, I said I could see myself playing for a great team like that,” Booker said. “I said the same thing about USC Saturday. I don’t want to go to a program that’s going to be losing.”