Mission Bay star Baxter to USC
Mission Bay High's Dillon Baxter has gone to two summer football camps at USC.
He knows the facilities. He's seen the Heisman trophies in Heritage Hall. He's noted the Trojans' success, especially when Reggie Bush was helping produce national championships.
So when the Trojans offered the Buccaneers' junior-to-be a scholarship, he eagerly accepted, becoming the cornerstone of the 2010 USC recruiting class.
“I started following USC when I was in seventh grade,”
said the powerful 6-foot, 195-pound running back/receiver who has been recognized by numerous Web sites as one of the state's top players the past two years.
“It really came down to two things. One, it's close to home. Two, I like the coaches. Every time I've called them with a question, they've been very supportive.”
Baxter said it came down to Florida and USC and, although he has family in Florida, proximity to home where his mother, Michelle, could come see his games was a major factor.
USC coaches are not permitted by the NCAA to comment on the decision until Baxter actually signs with the Trojans in February of 2010.
Baxter says he was recruited as an athlete. Although he turned heads as a freshman at wide receiver, averaging 25.5 yards per reception, he expects to devote most of his time to running back, where he played most of last year, rushing for 775 yards and six touchdowns and adding 706 yards receiving and nine more TDs.
“Actually, I like playing both evenly, so I'll go wherever they need me,”
said Baxter, who carries a 3.2 GPA but with two years of high school remaining has not settled on a major. “My primary position will be running back this year, but (Santa Ana Mater Dei senior recruit) Matt Barkley and I really hit it off at camp."
“It just felt right for me.”
Although Baxter is not a speed burner, running 4.7 for the 40-yard dash at the most recent Rising Stars camp at USC, his elusiveness in the open field is more like that of darting-type runner.
He's also tough to bring down, combining upper-body strength (his maximum in the bench press is 275) with powerful leg drive (he squats 410).
“Although this is all new to us,”
said his mother, “this is what he wanted. To be guaranteed a free education at such a great school – well – we thank God. Dillion is truly blessed.”
About those Heisman trophies.
“I hope I can put another one up there some day,”
said the 16-year-old.
