Santa Margarita’s Palmer Says He Plans to Attend USC

Santa Margarita quarterback Carson Palmer said he decided Sunday to attend USC next fall after taking a recruiting trip there this weekend.

Palmer, 18, also had considered Colorado and Washington.

“It was a tough decision because I also liked [Colorado Coach Rick] Neuheisel,” Palmer said. “But I liked Coach [Paul] Hackett after meeting with him today, and I really like California.”

The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Palmer led Santa Margarita to a second straight Southern Section Division V title. He passed for 2,607 yards and 31 touchdowns with four interceptions in helping Santa Margarita to a 14-0 record.

In the 55-42 Division V championship victory over Tustin, Palmer passed for 413 yards and five touchdowns. He was named to The Times all-county first team, and was the Sea View League offensive player of the year.