LONG BEACH, Calif. - John Smith has a very common, and ordinary name. But his commitment Wednesday to USC was anything but ordinary.

With rumors swirling that he would sign with Oregon instead, Smith did what everyone originally expected and announced he would stay home and wear the Cardinal & Gold.

"First, I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to play college football," said Smith. "I want to say thank you to my coaching staff, my family - particularly my parents have have been with me throughout the whole year.

"I will be furthering my education for the next fours year at the University of Southern California."

Smith, who chose USC over Oregon, UCLA and Notre Dame after receiving scholarships from more than two dozen schools, saw family has a big factor in completing the Trojans class of 19 this year.

"The new coaching staff was great, when Coach Sark came in" said Smith. " Great coaching staff, great program. It's going to be up tempo on offense and defense."

"USC has been my dream school since day one. My family are USC fans, and I just love them to death."

Smith is rated the nation's No. 2 safety at 6-foot-1, 190-pounds, although USC has recruited him to play wide out first since the beginning of his senior year. Recruited by Trojan assistant coaches Johnny Nansen and Tee Martin, Smith is a five-star with double the value

although the Bruins did enough to get a hat on the table with Smith, in the end, it was all Trojans.

"[Recruiting] is crazy, and I loved being a part of it, and just being here having an opportunity to god to college," said Smith. "But it's crazy. I have a couple of teammates going to UCLA, but, Fight On dude."

More from John Smith's announcement, including video and photos, on USCFootball.com.