Recruiting: Ellis McCarthy plays like the opponent just wrecked his car

McCarthy is a 6-5, 310-lb. sack monster from Monrovia High School in Monrovia California.  As a junior he had 53 tackles and 14 sacks, and he’s being pursued by every top program in college football, including Florida, Oklahoma and USC.  The major recruiting services rate him as one of the top five or six players in the entire country.  He’s agile and dominating, phenomenally athletic and finished for a high school defensive tackle.  He was second team all-league as a basketball player, quick enough in baseball to beat out a ground ball to the shortstop.  He’s even caught two passes lined up as a tight end.

Here’s a look at his cinematic forerunner, in a scene from “Fast Times at Ridgemont High:”

Here’s highlight film of the real Ellis, looking every bit as dominating despite the lack of a smashed Camaro:

McCarthy devours quarterbacks and blows up double teams, tossing aside blockers while collapsing the line of scrimmage. picking out the ball carrier and tossing him down like an airport baggage handler having a bad day.  He’s disruptive and smart in pursuit.

Originally the Monrovia master of mayhem was thought to be a strong USC lean, but with the Trojans suffering their latest reversal at the hands of the NCAA, Jerry Azzinaro may have more to offer the talented and promising defensive lineman.  He is nimble and aggressive and plays with urgency, a sure star in college football provided he applies himself.  Most recruiting news has him staying close to home, but with the new PAC-12 TV package and an opportunity to see Oregon’s facilities and atmosphere up close, maybe he can be lured North.  Signing him would be one of the highlights of any recruiting season.