Gorman grad Grimble firm on commitment to USC

Tight end Xavier Grimble, a recent Bishop Gorman High School graduate who signed with Southern California in February, will continue his football career as planned at USC, his father, Bill Grimble, said Thursday.

Bill Grimble said Xavier Grimble plans to leave for USC on June 18, and "as of right now" his plans weren't affected when the program was hit with numerous NCAA sanctions Thursday.

"It's a little bit more than we thought, but we figured something close to it," Bill Grimble said of the sanctions, which include a two-year postseason ban.

Bill Grimble is hopeful USC's appeal could reduce some of the sanctions.

"We're kind of looking to coaches next week and we'll see what the direction's going to be," he said.

Plans weren't as clear for Xavier Grimble's cousin, Jalen Grimble, who will be a senior defensive end at Gorman in the fall. Jalen Grimble gave a nonbinding oral commitment to USC in May.

Gorman coach Tony Sanchez said he spoke with Jalen Grimble on Thursday, and said the elite prospect is yet to decide whether the sanctions will alter his commitment.

"He's sitting on it right now," Sanchez said. "He wants to think it through."

Currently, the only local product on USC's roster is former Palo Verde cornerback Torin Harris, who is expected to compete for playing time as a redshirt freshman this season.

Contact reporter Tristan Aird at taird@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203.