Baucham Makes the Switch to Stay Home

Torrance (Calif.) West running back Brian Baucham committed to Washington State last weekend but when his childhood favorite offered this weekend, he decided to stay close to home...

Torrance (Calif.) West running back Brian Baucham (5-11, 175) thought recruiting was done last weekend when he committed to Washington State after taking an official visit there.

But after USC brought him in for a visit this weekend, and offered him, it changed everything up.

“I wasn’t even planning to take a visit to USC,” said Baucham. “But I thought I’d go for a visit because I owed it to myself to take the trip. Then right when I got there, I was up in the coaches office and Pete Carroll just came out and offered me. So today before I left, I committed.”

Baucham said he had no idea that USC would be offering him and he took the weekend to soak it in, but by the time he was done visiting, his dream of playing for the Trojans was coming true.

“I was pretty set on Washington State but then I went to USC and their coaching staff was great plus the chance to stay close to home played in,” said Baucham. “I great up watching USC and I always rooted for them. I never actually imagined playing for them I always imagined playing against them. Its pretty much going to be the best situation for me.”

Baucham said that the USC coaches want him to come in as an athlete, because they’re uncertain which side of the ball to put him it.

“They’re thin at cornerback but at the same time, they want me to come in and play and maybe have a chance at running back. They said they’ll throw me out there to see where is best for me to play,” said Baucham.

Baucham said his family was thrilled to hear the news he’d be staying close to home.

“It was a real touching moment,” said Baucham. “My mom started crying and all the coaches were happy.”

Baucham was hosted by Malcolm Smith and said all of the players he got to meet helped make it a good weekend.

“All the players were really cool to me,” said Baucham.

With over 5,500 yards to his name the last three years, Baucham has been one of the more prolific runners in California.