RECRUITING: Gorman tight end plots UCLA visit amid ‘total shock’ of Carroll departure

Xavier Grimble expected to have a smooth ride into national signing day Feb. 3.

But the past week has felt more like a roller coaster for the Bishop Gorman senior tight end, who originally gave an oral commitment to Southern California in April.

Grimble reacted to coach Pete Carroll’s departure from USC to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday by saying he still was committed to the Trojans, but far from locked in.

“I’m still committed (to USC), but I’m still open,” Grimble said. “With Pete Carroll leaving and the rumors about them going on probation, you’ve got to have a backup plan.”

Grimble said he hopes to visit UCLA this weekend. He’s also considering scholarship offers from Miami, Florida, Oklahoma and Louisiana State.

“I really like what Rick Neuheisel’s doing,” Grimble said of UCLA’s coach.

Rivals.com ranks the 6-foot-6-inch, 245-pound Grimble as the nation’s No. 1 tight end in the class of 2010, and No. 32 regardless of position. As a senior, he caught 39 passes for 709 yards and nine touchdowns as the Gaels rolled to a 15-0 season and their second Class 4A state title in three years.

Asked what it would take to reaffirm his commitment to USC, Grimble said he is waiting to see who the Tojans select as the new coach.

“USC is USC, a great school,” Grimble said. “I want to make sure the tight end is featured in the offense. That will help.”

Grimble said Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley, who will be a sophomore next season, has reached out in an attempt to keep him committed to USC.

Grimble’s father, Bill, called Carroll’s departure a “total shock.”

“A little disappointed, but life goes on,” Bill Grimble said. “(Xavier) was pretty down for a couple days, but now he kind of understands.

“Just like Pete Carroll was a great coach, someone else can be.”

GODKIN TO NAVY — Palo Verde senior defensive end Daniel Godkin committed to Navy on Sunday after returning from his official visit and de-committing from UNR, which he originally chose in November.

“I fell in love with Navy,” Godkin said Monday. “It’s a better fit for me; it’s more what I want.”

Godkin called his commitment “100 percent,” and he doesn’t plan on taking further visits. He also had offers from UNLV, Northern Arizona and Southern Utah.

Godkin said the Midshipmen recruited him as a defensive end, which he played as a junior. He was a star middle linebacker as a senior, totaling 103 tackles, two sacks and one interception as Palo Verde went 10-2.

Godkin said Navy’s coaching staff impressed him with character more than coaches at UNR. He was surprised with how UNR reacted angrily to his change of heart Sunday.

“The coaches were amazing,” he said of Navy. “They not only care about you as a player; they care about you as a person.”

Godkin will join three former Las Vegas-area players in Navy’s program: former Faith Lutheran linebacker Garrett Sherwood and cornerback David Sperry, and former Gorman offensive lineman Sam Womack.

Womack spent time with Godkin during his visit.

“He said he’s never been on a team where everyone loves everyone,” Godkin said. “It’s all about brotherhood.”

Also Monday, Palo Verde coach Darwin Rost said Panthers senior safety Tyrone Blake has reopened his recruitment. Blake originally committed to Northern Arizona in November.