THIS YEAR: Sophomore Paul Royster will press for a starting berth at cornerback and at the very least give the Cougars quality depth ... Terrific athlete who with experience could prove to be an impact player ... Rated a good tackler.
2008 (freshman): As a 2008 true-freshman, used his athleticism to earn a spot on the Cougar special teams .... Appeared in 6 games, registering 5 tackles, including 3 in the season-finale vs. East Texas Baptist ... Came on late in the season to fill a reserve role in the Cougar secondary.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played 3 seasons of varsity football for head coach Vic Eumont at Harvard-Westlake High in North Hollywood, Calif. ... Played as both a running back and wide receiver ... Was a 2-time All-Del Rey League selection ... As a 2007 senior rushed for 314 yards on 49 carries (6.4 avg.) and caught 25 passes for 300 yards (12.0 avg.) ... Scored 10 TDs, including 3 in CIF-opening round playoff victory over Torrance High ... As a 2006 junior rushed for 196 yards on 42 carries (4.7 avg.) and caught 14 passes for 171 yards (12.2 avg.) ... Scored a pair of TDs for the 10-3 Wolverines who advanced to the second round of the CIF playoffs ... Played cornerback as a 2005 sophomore and tallied 10 tackles for the 5-5 Wolverines.
PERSONAL: Born May 30, 1990, in Los Angeles ... Parents are Stanley and Paulette Royster ... Has 5 older brothers (Malcolm, Marcus, Mazio, Tep, Maleek) ... His brother Mazio was a 2-year running back at USC and ranks among USC's all-time top 20 in rushing ... Mazio also played 2 years in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccanneers ... Has not declared a major.
