Holy Spirit's Sarao commits to USC

Coaching changes in college football continue to alter the plans of South Jersey's best players.

Holy Spirit linebacker Anthony Sarao, who helped the Spartans to a 12-0 record and the Non-Public 3 state title and also played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, is the latest athlete to change his college plans.

Sarao said Wednesday that he has committed to the University of Southern California after withdrawing his commitment to Stanford.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Sarao, a second-team All-South Jersey selection, said he would sign with USC on Feb. 2, national signing day.

"USC has the best coaching staff in the country," Sarao said, referring to head coach Lane Kiffin and his staff. "They are down-to-earth guys, but they will make you a better player."

Sarao said he withdrew his commitment from Stanford after former Cardinal coach Jim Harbaugh left the program to coach the San Francisco 49ers. Harbaugh took some assistant coaches with him, including new 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman, a Holy Spirit graduate who had been deeply involved in recruiting Sarao.

"That was a big influence," Sarao of the coaching changes at Stanford.

Sarao joins Winslow Township's Bill Belton and Timber Creek's Quinton Alston among athletes who have altered their college plans after coaching changes.

Belton and Alston committed to Pitt last summer but changed their plans after Panthers coach Dave Wannestedt was fired Dec. 7. Belton has committed to Penn State, and Alston to Iowa.

Holy Spirit coach Chalie Roman, who is not related to Greg Roman, said the coaching changes at Stanford were the major factor in Sarao's decision.

"There was just so much uncertainty about where he was going to fit in," Roman said.

Sarao was named one of the captains of the East squad at the All-American Bowl in San Antonio on Jan. 8. He had five tackles and a sack in the game.

Roman said USC's coaches were impressed with Sarao at the All-American event.

"Anthony played really well," Roman said. "USC wasn't really involved before that, but then they got in touch with him."

Sarao said he made an official visit to USC's campus in Los Angeles last weekend.

Of USC, Roman said, "That's a pretty good second choice."