USC Gets Verbal From Huge Linebacker Recruit

Concord (CA) linebacker Michael Hutchings of De La Salle High School became USC's 11th member of the 2013 recruiting class Sunday afternoon, reports Sporting News.

"The combination of academics and athletics is unbeatable at USC," Hutchings told 247Sports.com. "My parents felt the same way and they were involved a little bit in my decision. You get a top-notch private education at USC and the coaching staff is great."

During the Trojans Rising Stars Camp on Wednesday, Hutchings had the opportunity to speak with the USC coaching staff, along with athletic director Pat Haden. But it was the time he spent with head coach Lane Kiffin that helped him finally pull the trigger.

"Coach Kiff said it was about time," he said, via ESPN. "He was happy I finally did it."

The 6'2", 215-pound OLB is an extremely athletic defender with excellent pass coverage skills, especially for his position. He will need to continue building speed, but should have no problem doing so with his elite agility.

Hutchings will thrive as Lane Kiffin's strongside linebacker, given the fact that he has a great deal of versatility.

Scout.com has Hutchings rated as a 4-star prospect and the No. 3 overall player at his position. He is the top recruit in the state of California.

Before his commitment to USC, Hutchings held offers from California, Miami (Fla.), Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, UCLA, Utah and Washington.


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