5-Star DE Greg Townsend: Will He Commit to USC or TCU at the Under Armour Game?

5-star defensive end Greg Townsend, one of the nation's top defenders, will be one of the key prospects playing in the 2011 Under Armour All-America Game on Wednesday and is expected to announce his commitment after the game. 

Townsend has the athleticism and size to play anywhere from linebacker to defensive tackle on the next level. He's got great instincts and strength, but his body control and balance are what stand out the most when you watch him play.

Not many prospects his size are able to maneuver around blockers and contort their bodies without losing footing or balance. Townsend just squeezes past his opponent and sets himself up to make a play.

Townsend is the son of former NFL star Greg Townsend Sr., who played his college ball at TCU and most of his pro career with the Los Angeles Raiders. 

The younger Townsend has narrowed his choices down to TCU and USC, and while most observers have the Horned Frogs on top, USC shouldn't be discounted from the mix either. 

Townsend is a native of Beverly Hills, California and has maintained a strong relationship with the Trojans coaching staff for years.

"It's tough. Both of the teams are great teams, both are national championship contenders. It's going to be a tough decision to make," Townsend said.

Townsend reportedly had a great trip to TCU in December, and after the Horned Frogs won the Rose Bowl in a thrilling victory over Wisconsin, it's hard to look past the team's success. 

"Coach [Gary] Patterson's defensive scheme is amazing. They've had the top defense in the country for three straight years. TCU is on the rise, it's a great team," Townsend said. 

The hometown bonus for USC can't be overlooked though. Texas is a world away from Beverly Hills, and USC was one of the first schools to offer Townsend a scholarship when he was still a sophomore. 

"[USC] is a program of tradition," Townsend said. "Great coaching staff with coach Owen and coach Monte Kiffin on the defensive side of the ball."

At this point it really appears the decision weighs heavily on the coveted defensive end, as both programs offer so much for a prospect of his caliber. 

"It's going to be a hard decision because both schools have a great defense. USC is a great school and it's close to home. TCU is a great school and my father went there," Townsend said. 

We'll give the Frogs the lead by a hair in this one, but don't be surprised if it goes either way.

Be sure to check out Bleacher Report's live coverage of the 2011 Under Armour All-America Game tomorrow night starting at 7 p.m. ET.