Defensive ends: Kennard heads west to Southern Cal

By Richard Obert, The (Phoenix) Arizona Republic

PHOENIX — Calling Southern California "an atmosphere where you're destined to be great," Devon Kennard put on a USC hat and pledged to the Pac-10 power Wednesday morning in front of classmates and faculty at Phoenix Desert Vista's auditorium.

USC's new defensive line coach, Jethro Franklin, was in attendance.

Kennard, a 6-3, 257-pounder who is the No. 1 defensive end recruit in the country, according to a consolidated rankings list, called the in-home visit last week with Franklin and new USC defensive coordinator Rocky Seto key to clinching his decision. Texas and California also were in the running.

"Texas is winning also, but it was a comfort feeling," Kennard said. "I felt more comfortable in the Pac-10 and more comfortable in California, and that's why I made that decision."

Kennard, who is four months into rehabilitating his surgically repaired knee, said he wanted to leave Arizona but be close enough for his family to see him play.

"He had a tough decision," said Derek Kennard, Devon's father who played in the NFL. "He's committed."

Devon's brother, Derek Jr., handled most of the recruiting calls during the process.

The elder Kennard said he did reference checks to make sure his son made the correct decision. But in the end, it was Devon's choice.

"I kept asking my dad, and he said, 'It's your decision,' " Devon said. "That's when I became a man, because it was my decision."

Kennard attended USC's Rising Stars Camp the last two summers. Last summer he was so dominant that his stock rose to near the top at any position in the nation. He said he came away impressed with how USC coach Pete Carroll runs practices.

"It's so up-tempo," Kennard said.

Kennard included Arizona State among the five schools he seriously considered.

He said he had a good relationship with ASU assistant Grady Stretz and enjoyed his conversations with coach Dennis Erickson.

"But I wanted to get out of Arizona and do something new," Kennard said. "My family really supported that."

Kennard, an honor student, said he was being cleared Tuesday to begin agility drills. He said he does not intend to redshirt. "I want to make an impact for my team as a freshman," he said. "I'll be ready."

•Surprise of the day: No. 47 Sam Montgomery of Greenwood (S.C.) looked like he was headed to North Carolina, but signed with LSU. According to ESPN/Scouts Inc., he wanted to be part of the No. 1 recruiting class. The South Carolina All-State honoree went to LSU despite the Tigers' loss of defensive line coach Earl Lane, Montgomery's original recruiter.

•Staying home: South Florida, a rising power in college football, keeps No. 96 Ryne Giddins of Armwood (Seffner) in state.