Las Vegas, Nevada is more than just casinos and conventions. Just ask Bishop Gorman High School senior tight end Xavier Grimble (TE, USC) and the rest of his squad. Sin city produced some of the top prep football talent in the class of 2010, and is still looking to unleash a handful of student-athletes onto the scene in 2011. If Las Vegas is going to become known for it's prep football prowess, this is the program to make it happen.
Bishop Gorman went undefeated in 2009 and finished as the #1 team in the State of Nevada and the 2010 football class produced an astounding 8 scholarship players. Led by the #1 ranked tight end in the nation's 2010 football class, Grimble, Bishop Gorman also featured signees Alex Turner (DE, Stanford), Geoffrey Gibson (OL, Cal), Evan Palelei (LB, Navy), Tim Wilkinson (DL, Northern Arizona), Victor Belen (RB, Samford), Taylor Spencer (WR, UNLV) and Ian Bobak (DE, UNLV).
In 2009, on his way to All-American status and a slew of high school football all-star games, the 6'5" 241 pound Grimble led the Bishop Gorman Gaels in receptions (39), receiving yards (709), and touchdown catches (9). Grimble also posted an incredible 18 yards per catch and showed his speed when he scored on a 77 yard touchdown reception. The Gaels football team dominated in every aspect of the game in 2009, as they scored more points than any other prep squad in the nation (798) and allowed only 135 points in 15 games.
A dual-sport athlete, Grimble's tenacious style of play on the gridiron translated well onto the hardwood for the Gaels this season. Bishop Gorman, like Gardena Serra High School (CA), finished the 2009-2010 academic year as state champions in football, as well as basketball. The Gaels hoop team featured Xavier and Jalen Grimble, as well as Stanford defensive end commit Alex Turner, and ended the season 30-2 overall and ranked #16 nationally.
Grimble is excited about Bishop Gorman's 2011 football class that will be led by his cousin Jalen Grimble (DE/2011), who recently verbally committed to attend USC next Fall. "It will be just like pop warner and high school again," Xavier said when asked about the potential of being reunited with Jalen on the next level.
As a student-athlete primed for the collegiate ranks who was equally influenced by Southern California's academics, Grimble said, "I plan on working very hard in class and on the field." Southern Cal landed a great recruit in Xavier Grimble, and he will be welcomed with open arms by Matt Barkley his fellow Trojans this Fall. Look for more recruiting news, stories, and exclusive interviews from CollegeLevelAthletes.com & CLA Sports. Complete interview transcript below.
