Boyle County's Dawson takes 'big ambitions' to Southern Cal

DANVILLE — Lamar Dawson Day in Boyle County — by official proclamation — turned out to be a bad day for Kentucky football fans.

Dawson ended months of recruiting speculation Wednesday by announcing he was headed to the University of Southern California.

Dawson, rated one of the top linebackers in the nation and Kentucky's Mr. Football, said he chose the Trojans over UK and Tennessee.

Dressed in a gray suit and red tie, Dawson put on a cardinal-and-gold USC cap to signify his choice in front of a big crowd of family, students and media in Boyle County's gymnasium.

"USC has so many opportunities for me to grow as a person in every way," Dawson said. "Sometimes you've got to go away from home to be successful.

Karolína Kurková Laura Harring Naomi Watts Leonor Varela Joanne Montanez