USC wide receiver Vidal Hazelton has been at the source of multiple transfer rumors for the last few weeks, although Tuesday came the official word that Hazelton is out as a Trojan.
“Yes, that’s true,” said Hazelton on his transfer from USC. “Part of the reason was football, but the main factor was because of my grandpa who I’m close with.
“He was just diagnosed with cancer.”
Hazelton, who joined former teammate Broderick Green as the second transfer from the team this year, stated that the thought of transferring has been in the forefront of his mind for some time now.
“No doubt I’ve been thinking about it for a while now,” said the New York native.
Hazelton will remain at USC and finish out his semester before exploring options elsewhere, although it is generally assumed that Hazelton will stay out east.
“I’m definitely going to finish this good semester,” commented Hazelton.
Hazelton’s break-out sophomore year seemed to pave the way for another impressive outing in 2008, although that scenario never came to fruition.
“I’m not going to say that part of the reason (for transferring) wasn't football,” explained Hazelton. “I’m always real upfront with the media.”
His lack of production and playing time on the year could easily be a bi-product of numerous injuries throughout the year, although Hazelton had battled his way back to full health.
“I’ve healed now,” said Hazelton of his injuries. “So I just went out and practiced hard and controlled the parts I could.
“I really couldn’t give you an answer on why I wasn’t playing, you’d have to ask the coaches that.”
Although Hazelton was not on the field as much as expected this year, he expressed no harsh feelings towards the program nor the coaches.
“I definitely have no hard feelings,” explained Hazelton after meeting with head coach Pete Carroll to discuss the transfer. “I have no regrets, and it was not an easy decision.
“I love all the coaches here, and I’m probably going to miss the players the most.”
Hazelton, who actually lives with his grandfather in Georgia now, explained that he is open to any and all schools recruiting him.
“I’m wide open right now,” said Hazelton of schools he may eventually look at. “I really want to be closer to my grand-dad. My dad lives in New York, but I actually live in Georgia with my grandfather.”
