
By Eric-Paul Johnson July 13, 2010 10:04 PM
Vista Murrieta track and football standout Jovonte Slater has accepted a scholarship offer from USC, Slater's father, Dedrick, said by phone Tuesday evening.
Dedrick Slater said the scholarship offer is for track and field, but he also noted the institution has given Jovonte the option to compete in football, as well.
Dedrick Slater said Jovonte had 27 scholarship offers to run track and seven more for football.
Slater, who will be a senior in the fall, finished second in the 100 meters and long jump and third in the 200 meters to help Vista Murrieta captured the CIF-Southern Section Division 1 team title. Slater also helped the Broncos place second in the 400 relay.
Slater qualified for the state meet in the 100 meters and long jump. He placed eighth in the 100.
With Slater helping, Vista Murrieta went on to capture the team title at the 1st ever Nike Track Nationals in Oregon. Slater participated in the 100 meters and long jump events.
In football, Slater returned kickoffs and split time at the running back position his junior season. He rushed for 145 yards and two touchdowns and also caught a touchdown pass. Slater averaged 39.5 yards on 11 kickoff returns, and he returned two for touchdowns.