In late November, Marqise Lee was mum on what’s expected to be a decision that lands him in the NFL in 2014.
Shortly USC’s bowl game, that decision, whatever it turns out to be, will become official.
The wide receiver said Sunday he will “probably” announce his decision on his football future in the days after the Trojans’ Dec. 21 Las Vegas Bowl game against Fresno State. Lee intimated, by describing the postseason matchup with Fresno State as both a “little game” and a “last game,” that the postseason matchup will be his last as a Trojan.
“Right now, you’ve still got a game going on,” the junior said. “Thinking about that can affect the way I play. ... I try not to think about it as much. Just go through this last little game not worrying about it because I am trying to have a great last game.”
If as expected Lee makes the early leap to the NFL, the true junior is expected to be one of the first receivers taken. Lee has battled both injuries and a coaching change in what’s been the worst of his three seasons in the Land of Troy.
His first two seasons with the Trojans, Lee totaled 191 receptions and 25 touchdowns, including 118 and 14 in 2012. Because of the injuries — and Matt Barkley‘s departure — Lee has just 50 catches and two touchdowns this season. He’s caught two or fewer passes in three of the nine games he’s played this year; that had happened just four times in 25 career games entering 2013.