Glen Stanley, the top junior college linebacker who said last week USF was one of two schools he wanted to play at this fall, has taken a major step toward finding that new school, as ESPN.com reported Wednesday that he has been released from Southern Cal from his national letter of intent.

Stanley, who signed with the Trojans but asked for and was initially denied his release after news of harsh NCAA penalties against the school, told the Times last week that he would like to choose between USF and Florida State. He has expressed an interest in being close to Ocala, where his fiance and young daughter live.

Outside linebacker is an area of need for USF, as the Bulls' two projected starters, Sabbath Joseph and Jacquian Williams, are both seniors, as is one of USF's top backups, Donte Spires. Stanley could not be reached for comment Wednesday night, but he'll have to make a decision quickly, as USF opens preseason football camp next week, with fall classes starting Aug. 23.