Havili makes it official with USC

Without too much hoopla or fanfare before school started Wednesday, Stanley Havili officially became the biggest football recruit in state history.

In front of a small gathering of friends and family at Cottonwood High School, Havili bellied up to a dingy cafeteria table a little after 7 a.m. and signed his national letter of intent to play for USC, one of college football's most storied programs.

"I'm excited about my decision, and ready to go out there and compete with the best," said Havili, who said his biggest challenge "isn't on the field, it's off the field. The college life, keeping my head on straight and living to what I've been taught.

"It seems surreal. I'm just excited to go out there and show the nation what Utah has to offer."

USC's coaching staff is hoping this Utah player has plenty to offer, because the Trojans need running back help. With LenDale White and Reggie Bush both declaring for the NFL Draft with collegiate eligibility remaining, there are several roster spots to fill in the USC backfield.

Havili is one of three freshmen eager to come in and fill that void. The other two are Stafon Johnson (Los Angeles) and Emmanuel Moody (Coppell, Texas).

"I was on my recruiting trip with all of them, and I know I can compete with them," said Havili. "They're not extraordinary, they're just regular players like me."

USC wants Havili to enroll in school this summer so he can begin a regimented weight lifting program and bulk up to 225 pounds. Havili weighed 222 pounds during the football season, but as a member of Cottonwood's varsity basketball team, he's trimmed down to about 210.

Colts' coach Tom Jones believes Havili has all the tools to succeed at the next level.

"I've never seen anyone with the natural ability of Stanley and the vision Stanley has," said Jones. "The combination of the speed and power and ability to make any play a big play."

Even though USC began expressing interest in Havili back in December, it always seemed like a long shot because the Trojans didn't want Havili serving an LDS mission. When he committed two weeks ago, Havili hinted that a mission was no longer an option, but he reiterated Wednesday that he hasn't completely ruled it out.

"If I feel I need to serve my mission, I'll serve my mission, whether it's during or after," said Havili.

GOING OUT OF STATE: Cottonwood's Tony Trujillo signed with Illinois State, Timpanogos' Tolu Pili with UNLV and Cottonwood's Alex Cate with Oklahoma State.

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E-mail: jedward@desnews.com