NCAA Roundup


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Thomas undecided in commitment to USC

Despite his verbal commitment, five-star recruit De’Anthony Thomas (Crenshaw, Calif.) is reportedly wavering in his decision to play for USC next year.

Thomas told Scott Schrader of FightOn247.com on Monday that he will announce his final decision Wednesday at a 5 p.m. press conference to be held at L.A. Live’s ESPN Zone.

“Tell everyone to come out for the announcement,” Thomas told Schrader.

Thomas, ranked No. 5 in the Rivals100, visited the University of Oregon this weekend, a move that has left USC with some unanswered questions.

The tailback from Crenshaw High is verbally committed to the Trojans, but until National Signing Day Feb. 2, he could switch his commitment to any other team.

Though the Trojans are still under sanctions, their Jan. 22 appeal meant that the restrictions on recruiting have not yet kicked in.

USC coach Lane Kiffin has 25 verbal commitments, including Thomas, and USC’s recruiting class is ranked No. 5 in the nation according to Rivals.com.

While Thomas might or might not still join the team next year, the Trojans’ other five-star recruit, George Farmer, is reportedly steady in his decision to play for USC.

— Maheen Sahoo

Turene decommits

Kent Turene’s (Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.) verbal commitment to the Trojans has been uncertain for some time, but now it’s official that he has decommitted from USC.

Now, the three-star linebacker is considering Nebraska, Texas Tech and Georgia, in addition to USC.

“Nobody is leading right now,” Turene said. “I’m just making sure that I am doing the right thing for me.”

Turene initially had committed to USC last July, but now says he will make his decision Wednesday on National Signing Day.

“I want to do this the right way and respect the process,” Turene said. “I want to make sure I’m making the right decision and I want all the programs that are recruiting me to understand where everything stands.”

— Nick Burton

Gomez and Troy recognized for strong play

Murphy Troy of the men’s volleyball team and Emilio Gomez of the men’s tennis team were named USC Credit Union Student-Athletes of the Week.

The senior opposite hitter helped lead the No. 1 Trojans to two more road victories against No. 6 UC Santa Barbara and No. 4 UCLA.

In a sweep against the Gauchos, Troy hit .632 and finished with 12 kills. Against the Bruins, Troy had a match-best 26 kills to go along with five aces and seven digs.

Troy’s play has been instrumental in USC’s 6-0 start, which is its best since 1994.

The freshman Gomez has been off to a perfect start as he has opened his college career with a 4-0 mark in singles play and a 5-0 record in doubles play.

In matches against Florida State, San Diego State and Indiana, the freshman came away with three singles and three doubles victories, helping the Trojans to a 5-0 start on the year.

For his stellar play, Gomez was also named Pac-10 Player of the Week.

—  Trevor Wong