USC Releases Top Recruit

By Justin Worsley

Last February, the University of Southern California struck gold when tackle Seantrel Henderson made a late commitment to the school.

Henderson, however, will never wear a Trojan uniform.

USC has announced today that Henderson, who is widely considered as the nation's top recruit this year, has been released from his letter of intent. Henderson, who was also considering Miami, Ohio State and Minnesota, will be eligible to play this season.

Henderson's decision comes in the wake of a two-year postseason ban brought to USC by the NCAA. Along with the ban, USC has also been given severe restrictions on recruiting for the next two years. The punishment comes as a result of former Heisman-winning tailback Reggie Bush receiving improper benefits from a booster.

Miami has been widely considered the second choice for the 6-foot-8 337-pound mammoth from Cretin-Derham Hall High School in Minnesota. USC is hoping that Henderson will still consider USC despite their recent punishments. The university could have forced Henderson to either show up to the football team or be forced to pay his own way through his first year of college or even limit what schools Henderson could look at.

Last year, Henderson was named the Offensive Player of the Year by USA Today. He is the first offensive lineman in the 28-year history of the award to win.