Kempsville (Virginia Beach, VA) linebacker/running back Travis Hughes was lifting weights one day earlier this month when head coach David Johnson approached. The 6-1, 215-pound junior was told to expect an e-mail from a Southern Cal coach, who was sending a questionnaire. Before heading home, Hughes was again approached by coach Johnson, who then said that Southern Cal assistant coach Joe Barry was on the phone.

“That was definitely a surprise,” Hughes said of the phone call. “It caught me totally off guard.”

Interest evolved quickly into an official scholarship offer. Hughes has interest in the Trojans, although he admits that location could be a real negative.

“Of course location would be a factor because I’m a big family dude, but I can’t overlook them,” Hughes said. “I definitely have a lot of decisions to make.”

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