Those who believe the Dallas Cowboys have sole possession of the most addictive soap opera on the gridiron should think again. Just try following USC’s decommitments, potential defections and remaining wish list.
Ramifications spread throughout the West. Colorado hosted safety-receiver Byron Moore on Friday after Moore decommitted from the Trojans. For the second year in a row, CU fans will have to wait until signing day for the answer. Moore is booked on ESPNU’s series of live announcements Wednesday morning.
BYU appears the biggest loser in the Manti Te’o sweepstakes. USC is the clubhouse leader for the No. 1 or No. 2 inside linebacking recruit, depending on the scouting service. Two Cougars freshmen, including Te’o’s cousin Shiloah Te’o, are reportedly under BYU honor code review for an off-campus recruiting incident involving alcohol consumption, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. The alleged incident occurred during Manti’s trip the second week of January. Underage drinking is universally prohibited by law. Alcohol consumption is banned at any age at Mormon Church-owned BYU.
USC could get both or neither of the top-rated linebacking recruits, depending on Te’o’s decision and that of Vontaze Burfict of Corona, Calif. Burfict hinted to recruiting sites late last week he was leaning toward Arizona State.
His recruiter of record is ex-Colorado State receivers coach Matt Lubick. The son of former CSU coach Sonny Lubick has had several Colorado coups, including Cherry Creek’s Jack Elway last year and Grandview’s Matthew Tucker this year.
Trivial pursuit.
Incoming CSU tight end recruit Cameron Moss of Steele Canyon HS near San Diego has some interesting bloodlines. His father, Martin, played defensive end at UCLA, and his mother, Lianne, was a Boulder Fairview cheerleader in the mid-1970s. Martin Moss sacked John Elway during their Pac-10 days.
“They credited me with two sacks but I still have the video and I see three,” the senior Moss said.
The future Ram’s dad played against CSU coach Steve Fairchild when Fairchild tore up the San Diego prep ranks as quarterback. Moss didn’t recall if he ever sacked Fairchild.
Open season.
Iowa State has been poaching CSU recruits, although quarterback Nico Rainieri is still listed on CSU’s class by and neither class on . The Rams were scheduled for six more visits this weekend.
Another CSU recruit, Norco, Calif., linebacker Jared Koster, said last week UCLA and Arizona State started showing interest after he committed to the Rams.
“It reminds me of dating,” Koster said, displaying wisdom beyond his years. “In high school, if one girl wants a guy, the rest of the girls want him.” . . .
Incoming CU kicker Zach Grossnickle might have spent more practice field time than anyone in his class with a soccer/football twin bill every day. . . .
One recruit guaranteed to change his look when he reports to camp for Air Force is commit Loyd Bradley, a cornerback from Mansfield, Tex. He is wearing Allen Iverson-style braids in his . picture. . . .
Cameron Deen, a 6-3, 180-pound quarterback from West Covina, Calif., picked Northern Colorado over Division II offers. Deen threw for 2,286 yards as a senior.
Booster functions.
CU coach Dan Hawkins will review his signing class Thursday at the Marriott City Center. Doors open at 11 a.m. The $75 luncheon tab includes a portion for academic support. . . . The CSU staff will hold a reception Wednesday at the Hilton Fort Collins at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $25 for Ram Club members and $30 for nonmembers.
CU and CSU commitments
Colorado
High school commitments
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. School or hometown
David Bakhtiari OL 6-4 266 San Mateo, Calif.
Nate Bonsu DT 6-2 265 Allen, Texas
Jarrod Darden WR 6-4 211 Keller, Texas
Clark Evans QB 6-5 225 Los Alamitos, Calif.
Zach Grossnickle PK 6-3 185 Denver East
Gus Handler OL 6-4 265 Barrington, Ill.
Jack Harris OL 6-6 270 Chaparral
Diante Jackson WR 6-0 188 Walnut Creek, Calif.
Nick Kasa DE 6-7 245 Legacy
Liloa Nobriga LB 6-3 235 Las Vegas
Edward Nuckols DT 6-2 290 San Marcos, Calif.
Deji Olatoye DB 6-2 180 Dublin, Ohio
Parker Orms DB 6-0 185 Wheat Ridge
Andre Simmons WR 6-3 201 Independence, Kan.
Shaun Simon OL 6-2 310 Tulsa, Okla. (Union)
DaVaughn Thornton TE 6-5 200 Denver East
Derrick Webb LB 6-0 214 Memphis, Tenn.
J. Forrest West DE 6-2 225 Salisbury, Conn.
Colorado State
Midyear junior-college signees
Jon Eastman QB 6-2 210 Snow College (Utah)
Travis Ford DB 6-3 205 Laney CC (Calif.)
Leonard Mason RB 6-0 215 College of the Desert (Calif.)
High school commitments
Jared Biard OL 6-7 280 League City, Texas
Joe Brown TE 6-3 215 Wichita
Te’Jay Brown DT 6-2 260 St. Petersburg, Fla.
Lou Greenwood RB 6-1 174 Conroe, Texas
Brandon Haynes OL 6-3 285 Dallas
Christian James DE 6-2 216 Orlando, Fla.
Pete Kontodiakos K 6-3 185 Clearwater, Fla. (Countryside)
Jared Koster DE 6-1 205 Norco, Calif.
Cameron Moss TE 6-4 233 San Diego
Chris Nwoke RB 5-11 205 ThunderRidge
Nico Rainieri QB 6-2 195 Orlando, Fla.
Weston Richburg OL 6-4 260 Bushland, Texas
Ezra Thompson DB 6-0 189 Frankfort, Ill.
Natalie Meisler, The Denver Post
