Turner's choice is Southern California

The 6-foot-5, 210-pound wide receiver from Goodpasture Christian in Nashville committed to play for defending national champion Southern California on Wednesday after his father, Steve, said he eliminated Tennessee.

"I'll be happy wherever he goes," Steve Turner said. "I'll be behind him 100 percent. It's a big difference. Tennessee, you're here at home. Southern Cal, you're a long way. I'm with him either way."

Patrick Turner declined to be interviewed.

Turner's decision likely is a surprise to his family. Turner has two uncles who graduated from UT. One still lives in Knoxville. Turner's cousin, Kurston Biggers, is a former UT running back.

"It surprises me so I'm not sure what to say," Steve Turner said.

Southern Cal had been pushing extra hard to sway Turner. Goodpasture coach David Martin said members of the Trojans' staff are scheduled to visit Turner this week and USC coach Pete Carroll will visit Tuesday.

The decision culminates a week full of speculation. Turner had planned to make an announcement during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl last Saturday in San Antonio before postponing at the last minute.

Turner said Saturday he would make an announcement this week on ESPN. Martin disputed that report Tuesday evening.

"He's definitely not going to make a decision this week," Martin said. "I guess we're looking at some time next week at this point."

A public announcement didn't seem to fit Turner, a star player who always seemed to shy from the spotlight throughout the recruiting process. Except for the visit last week in San Antonio, Turner has declined interview requests.

"It just doesn't fit his personality," Martin said of televising the announcement. "He's a guy that would just like to say 'I'm going here, now let that be it.' ''

Turner's commitment to Southern Cal is a verbal non-binding contract. National Signing Day is Feb. 2.

"There's always an opportunity until Signing Day," Steve Turner said. "Right now, it's Southern Cal."

Turner is the second-highest rated prospect in Tennessee according to the News Sentinel. The-rated prospect in the state, Memphis Briarcrest Christian offensive lineman Michael Oher, committed to Ole Miss on Monday.