Pomona (Calif.) junior linebacker Javaris Steward didn’t take USC’s loss to Notre Dame last Saturday as hard as many Trojan fans did.



While watching the Trojans play on television, he had an epiphany.



“I went to the game a couple weeks ago and just fell in love with their defense, ” said Steward. "I like the way they play, the tempo, the style.



“Then last night, I was watching the highlights of the Notre Dame game, and it just hit me. This morning I was thinking about it and I decided to commit.”

UPDATE (10:00 p.m. PST): Following our initial conversation, Steward updated Scout and USCFootball.com on his commitment status.

SC remains without a head coach, which is something Steward didn't fully appreciate when he called the coaching staff Monday. Conferring with his guardian Monday night, Steward felt he would be better served waiting to see how the coaching search at USC progresses before making an official pledge.

"I talked things over with my guardian and realized I need to take a step back and wait to see what happens with the coaching staff at USC," said Sterward. "It's a big decision and I want to think things through a little more carefully."

The firing of Sarkisian himself didn't impact Steward decision directly. What happens with linebacker coach Peter Sirmon is more of an issue.



“I didn’t really know the head coach,” said Steward. “I met him because he offered me when I went to the game. He seemed like a pretty good guy.



“But I have a good relationship with the assistant coaches. It’s a good group of people at USC. When I went there, the whole staff and everybody at USC made me feel very welcome.”



Steward just transferred this season from Denton (Texas) Ryan High School to Pomona High School. However, he is a California native, so his junor season is really a homecoming of sorts.



“USC has always been in my top five,” said Steward. “Growing up I always watched USC. I lived in California before moving to Texas in the seventh grade, so I’ve always been a USC fan.



“I’m just getting back into it here in California. But my family can come see me play at USC. Right now, USC is still my top choice.”



While Steward won’t sign his letter of intent until 2017, so there's plenty of time for him to see other schools as well.



“I just felt like I want to be a Trojan,” said Steward. “I might take some trips over the summer. I have to talk to my guardian about that.”



Having played in Texas the past few years, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker is an unknown to many USC fans.



“I just put it on for my team and play without getting tired,” said Steward. “I try to be a vocal leader and a motivator. I play aggressive and physical.”



USC is recruiting Steward to play the field side linebacker spot, which Sua’ Cravens plays for the Trojans.



“Sometimes I could line up as a rush end, but they mainly want me where No. 21 plays,” said Steward.