Football: Joliet Catholic running back Ty Isaac chooses USC

Updated: May 15, 2012 11:16AM

With every major program in the country recruiting him, Ty Isaac didn't figure to have an easy decision.

But then the Joliet Catholic running back headed west to check out the University of Southern California and everything clicked.

"I just got out on campus and loved everything about it," Isaac said Tuesday morning after announcing his commitment to USC via Twitter. "The players, the coaches, the people around the program, everything they took me through.

"I knew it was the right fit."

And not just on the football field, even though USC is one of the sport's iconic programs.

"When I saw myself not playing football, that's where I saw myself," Isaac said. "It's a great education. And it's Tailback U."

Isaac, a 6-3, 215-pounder, saw his recruiting take off after putting together a performance for the ages in the Class 5A state championship game. He had 26 carries for 515 yards and six touchdowns in a 70-45 loss to Montini.

After that, he was ranked the No. 1 running back in the country and the No. 8 player overall in the Class of 2013 by CBS College Sports recruiting analyst Tom Lemming.

"I'm happy because Ty's happy," Joliet Catholic coach Dan Sharp said. "It's where he feels most comfortable, where he feels happy in going. ... When he was ready to make that decision, he was very sure."

Having the recruiting process end this early is a plus, Sharp believes.

"I think it weighs on Ty a lot," the coach said, mentioning the microscope top prospects are under from social media. "People have to remember, he's still a junior in high school."

Sharp is looking forward to watching Isaac play in the Pac-12. "The nice thing is, a lot of their games are on Saturday night," Sharp said. "I'll be done with my football then."

Isaac, meanwhile, is looking forward to a more relaxed time before getting down to business again, "a little more time to get dialed in and focused for next season."

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