Ronald Powell (Moreno Valley, Calif./Rancho Verde) could end up being the top football player in the West by the end of the season. The talented defensive end has two schools clearly on top and is hoping to make his decision in early January.
Powell has made no secret that USC and Florida are head and shoulders above the rest of the schools recruiting him. He has already camped with both and talked about what stands out about the two programs.
"I was just at USC for the Rising Stars Camp and that was a great experience," Powell said. "USC was my first offer and I have a great relationship with the coaching staff. I love the energy there and the talent they're brining in every year is incredible.
"The camp was fun for me because I had a to chance to play some linebacker as well as defensive end. It was good to go out there and show off my athleticism, but I know I'll be playing defensive end in college."
Powell was equally excited about his time in Gainesville.
"Florida is big time, that's SEC football right there," Powell said. "You can just see how big football is in the South and I have a ton of family back there, so I know all about the tradition and the passion people have for football in the SEC.
"Coach (Urban) Meyer is real cool, he's kind of serious but I like his coaching style. Florida has a great defense every year and they're known for putting defensive ends in to the league (NFL) as well. I'm going to try and get out to their Friday Night Lights Camp later this month and I know they're going to have some incredible talent there."
Powell said he's still looking at a few other schools as well, but is hoping to visit USC and Florida in the fall.