College Football Recruiting: Khalfani Muhammad Lists USC & LSU Among Favorites

As we touched on yesterday, we're still rustling up all of the great information and recruiting nuggets we got while trekking to the Los Angeles Under Armour Combine this past weekend.

The event, held in Santa Monica, hosted over 250 players and many of the top prospects in the west from Washington to Arizona and of course, talent-rich California.

We got a chance to catch up with 2013 running back, Khalfani Muhammad, who won't be a 2012 recruit, but is still one of the best overall prospects in the state. Muhammad has already begun to hear from several schools and discussed his initial recruitment with Bleacher Report.

Let's introduce you to Khalfani Muhammad.

Who Is Khalfani Muhammad?

Muhammad is a 5'8", 170-pound junior running back—one of the top players in the state. I've been watching his development since I went and saw him play in person last year. He plays for a California powerhouse program of Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks (CA) and competes at a high level.

Playing for a coach like Kevin Rooney and excelling as a sophomore at Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks is a big deal, which Muhammad has accomplished. He will become the focal point of the offense next year and big things are expected out of him.

He's certainly a player to keep your eye on on the recruiting front.

Muhammad's Scouting Report

Right now, Muhammad plays as an every-down back for his high school squad and shows deceptive strength for a lighter back. Yet his biggest asset is his speed and quickness. Muhammad has a burst that beats linebackers and safeties to holes and can scoot past the second level with ease.

He's quick to escape to the edges, can square his shoulders and get upfield to beat a defense. An elusive runner, Muhammad is great in the open field and has home run ability.

He likely won't be an every down back in college, and will struggle as a pass protector in blitz pick up due to his lack of bulk. But when you watch Muhammad play, you see a great amount of potential as a dynamic change-of-pace back for a college.

Muhammad's Stat Sheet & Testing Numbers

Muhammad put up 851 yards and 13 touchdowns last season for Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks. He's also a very good receiver out of the backfield and showed great hands at the LA Under Armour Combine this past weekend.

He was a nightmare for linebackers as he was quick at the junction point of his routes and did not let linebackers get their hands on him.

He was timed at 4.5 in the 40 yard dash, a sizzling 6.69 in the L-Cone and vertical jumped over 30 inches showing off his explosion, burst and leaping ability.

Who Is Already Recruiting Muhammad?

Muhammad told Bleacher Report: "I'm hearing from everybody man. USC, LSU, Oregon, UCLA, Georgia Tech. I just want to keep my options open and we'll see what happens down the road."

Nebraska and Texas A&M have also been linked to Muhammad already. Yet as he is just entering his junior cycle, Muhammad still has time to weigh his options, take unofficial visits and really get a good feel for schools.

Look for Muhammad to be one of the top players and prospects in California as a senior. He plays for a powerhouse program, has played against great competition, has been productive and has the play-speed and quickness to excel.

Are USC and LSU His Top Schools?

Right now, it seems like Muhammad really likes the Trojans and Tigers. The idea of staying home and playing at Troy is an alluring draw for almost every Southern California player, and Muhammad is no different.

LSU is also tic in the race, as Muhammad is intrigued by playing in the SEC, in Baton Rouge and for Les Miles.

Look for both USC and LSU to stay on Muhammad hard through 2013.