Gorman tight end picks USC

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Thursday, April 23, 2009 | 3:56 p.m.

Grimble

The nation’s top high school tight end has committed to play football at Southern California.

Bishop Gorman senior-to-be Xavier Grimble, who is rated by recruiting Web site Rivals.com as the nation’s top tight end, said Thursday he picked Southern California over Florida and Oklahoma.

“I liked everything about USC, especially that it was so close to home,” Grimble said.

The 6-foot-6, 250-pound Grimble is the third Gorman player to commit to the Pac-10 this month. Linebacker Evan Palelei and defensive end Alex Turner each committed to Stanford two weeks ago.

Grimble, who is ranked as the No. 39 overall prospect over by Rivals, caught 13 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns in 2008. He recorded a 40-yard dash time of 4.7 seconds with a 30-inch vertical.

Grimble initially planned to announce his plans during an interview on the local Fox Sports Radio affiliate Friday.

“Everyone knows I’m going to USC,” he said after Gorman’s offseason workout Thursday.

Grimble will be the second Las Vegan at USC. Palo Verde senior defensive back Torin Harris signed with the Trojans in February.

Grimble, who had nearly 20 scholarship offers, can’t sign until February 2010. His commitment is non-binding.

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or ray.brewer@lasvegassun.com.