Posted on March 10th, 2010 by Rick McMahan

As is to be expected, while I was away doing other things, Lane Kiffin, Ed Orgeron and company were busy extending offers to prep athletes who could don the cardinal and gold for the 2011 season.

Following the criteria established in the first three articles of this series, I will play “catch up” and highlight those four-star athletes, as rated by Scout.com, that the Trojans have offered.

Included in these profiles will be any four-star athletes who the Trojans haven’t yet offered but who have listed a “high” interest in playing for USC.

Also, Trojan fans can now cross off a “five star” linebacker off the list of prospective athletes that the Trojans have offered.

Lawrence Thomas, the big middle linebacker from Detroit, has given his verbal pledge to his hometown Michigan State Spartans.

Although not unexpected, Thomas nonetheless sure would have looked good as a Trojan. Still, his signing with USC was a longshot at best.

Okay, before USC offers anyone else, lets take a look at the balance of four-star athletes offered by the Trojans as rated by Scout.com:

Travis Hughes

USC needs linebackers, and Travis Hughes is one of the best in the country. A 6′1″, 220 lb. (4.55 40) heat seeking missile from Virginia Beach, VA, Hughes had a productive junior season and will be looked upon from his high school program to be even better as a senior.

Hughes has slotted the Trojans, as he does with all the programs that have offered him, as “medium” on his interest list.

Mike Bellamy

The only thing keeping this 5′10″, 175 lb. running back from being a five star is his size. Possessing everything else in a prototype running back, including elusiveness and breakaway speed, Bellamy’s lack of power should be remedied as he finds his way into the weight room with regularity.

Having said that, look for Bellamy to choose between Florida and Georgia.

Matt Hegarty

Another area of need for the Trojans’ is the offensive line, and Matt Hegarty is one of the best prep o-linemen in the country. Possessing good size (260 lbs.) and a frame to add much more (6′6″), Hegarty has intriguing potential.

Hegarty has more than a dozen offers already and will secure many more before his senior season is complete. USC, like all others, is listed as “medium” on his interest list.

Kevin McReynolds

USC is reaching into the junior college’s for this undersized but extremely athletic defensive tackle. McReynold’s, who runs a sub 4.8 40, will need to add weight to his 6′3″, 255 lb. frame. He should be able to do so at a major college program.

Including USC, McReynold’s holds more than a dozen offers, all of which he lists as “medium” in terms of his interest.

Jeoffrey Pagan

Another athletic defensive end, Jeoffrey Pagan is coveted by most of the major programs in the country. Among his strengths are his ability to quickly come off the edge to wreak havoc in his opponents backfield. Pagan, who hails from Asheville, NC, only needs to work on his technique to become a dominant player at the next level.

Jordan Prestwood

Another light (260 lb.) offensive lineman with the frame (6′6″) to add much more weight, Jordan Prestwood, who resides in Plant City, FL, has offers from most of the major programs in the country. He lists USC, like all others, as “medium.”

Ian Seau

Yes Trojan fans, there is another “Seau” on the horizon for USC. Although the Trojans have yet to offer the nephew of former Trojan great Junior Seau, expect that to change soon.

Ian Seau, who will play defensive end in college, has very good speed and athleticism and only needs to add weight to his 6′4″ frame, which should be easy to do at the next level. Seau lists the Trojans, as should be expected, as “high” on his list of prospective programs to sign with.

Tevin Williams

Trinity High School in Euliss, TX has produced a lot of fine running backs in the past, and Tevin Williams is the next in line. Although he doesn’t hold a lot offers right now, he is starting to get a lot of interest from many programs, including the Trojans. Williams, who is 5′11″, 175 lbs., needs to improve his size and break away speed. But with another year under his belt, he should be able to do both.

This represents the balance of the four-star prep athletes that the Trojans have offered.

However, with this being so early in the recruiting season, there will be many changes in the future, and I will do my best to stay on top of them.

Not only will the Trojans add more athletes to their list of who they have offered. but also the three-star athletes who graduate to four star will also represent the fluid status of USC’s recruiting efforts.

So stay tuned and see what the 2010 prep football season has to offer in terms of those athletes that the Trojans would like to see don the cardinal and gold for the 2011 football season.

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Posted on March 5th, 2010 by Rick McMahan

One of the drawbacks to taking a few days off from the recruiting trail early in the season is that so many changes occur when you aren’t looking.

Part one of this 2010-2011 look at the early USC recruiting process featured the Scout.com five-star prep high school athletes who the Trojans had already offered.

Since I filed that report, three more five-star prep players have received scholarship offers and there are sure to be more on the way.

Part three of this yet to be determined ongoing series will feature those three five star players and continue on with more of the four-star athletes originally covered in part two of this “Laying the Foundation” series.

So before the Trojans add anymore offers to their growing list of high school athletes, lets get started:

Five-Star Athletes:

Kasen Williams:

This 6′2″, 195 lb, wide receiver doesn’t possess eye-popping speed (4.6 40), but he simply inhales every pass that comes his way. Honored as the Washington state co-athlete of the year (along with teammate Jake Heaps), Williams holds offers from every major program in the country and lists USC, as he does all of his others, as of “medium” interest.

Herschel Sims:

A 5′9″, 190 lb running back who reminds many of LaDainian Tomlinson and not just because they both hail from Texas, Sims has been described as “a home run back who makes big plays in big games.” An explosive runner who is also a very good receiver, Sims is being courted by most of the major programs although not all have offered yet. Expect that to change as his senior season begins. Sims lists his interest in USC as “medium.”

Isaiah Crowell:

The Trojans need to re-stock the running back position and they would love to start that process with Isaiah Crowell. Possessing good size (6′0″, 210 lbs.) and great speed (4.43 40), Crowell also has all the moves of a great running back. The one question about Crowell is his durability since he came from a high school program that rotated their running backs. However, Lane Kiffin and company will have to do some sweet talking to get this talented runner as he lists Alabama, who has already offered him, as high on his list.

Four-Star Athletes:

Kiaro Holts:

This teammate of Kris Harley, who also holds a USC offer in his pocket, possesses good size (6′4″, 266 lbs.) and a frame that can add more weight easily in a major college football weight training program. Holts, who lists his interest in USC as “medium,” also holds more than a dozen offers from other programs.

DeAnthony Arnett:

DeAnthony Arnett, who hails from Saginaw Michigan, is one of the rising prep athletes in the country. Originally recruited by Lane Kiffin when he was still at Tennessee, Arnett carried Kiffin’s interest in him when he travelled to USC. Although he doesn’t possess great size (6′0″, 170 lbs.) or incredible speed (4.5 40), Arnett, nonetheless, is a game changing wide receiver. Describing his interest in USC as “high,” the Trojans will probably fight it out with Notre Dame and Michigan State for Arnett’s services.

Damien Swann:

OK Trojan fans, you tell me, how good would another “Swann” look in cardinal and gold? Though this Swann is a corner back and not a wide receiver, Damien Swann is one of the very best in the country at his position. Though he needs to work on his technique, Swann has the athleticism to be a premier player at the next level. Although Swann would seem to be a natural fit as a Trojan, he will probably choose between Alabama and Georgia.

Nickolas Brassell:

Is it just me or does there seem to be a propensity of good wide receivers at the high school level? This 6′2″, 175 lb all state wide receiver from Missouri, has all the instincts necessary to be a star at the next level. Brassell holds offers from almost all the SEC programs and lists his interest in the Trojans, as he does with all his offers, as “medium.”

Brey Cook:

The Trojans need offensive linemen and Brey Cook, with his 6′7″, 297 lb size, would be a prefect fit. Cook, who hails from Arkansas, needs a bit of work on his technique but with his size and football acumen, Cook could easily be one of the best in the country when his collegiate career is over and done with. Cook holds more than a dozen offers and lists them all as of “medium” interest.

Todd Barr:

Although he has not yet been offered by the Trojans yet, expect that to change soon. This 6′3″, 265 lb. defensive lineman is picking up offers by the week and the Trojans are expected to be one of them soon. In his junior year at Lakewood high school, where he was a teammate of 2009 Trojan recruits Jesse Scroggins and Dion Bailey, Barr had 12 sacks and five forced fumbles to merit his being named to the “all state” California defensive team. It should also be noted that Barr lists his interest in the Trojans, along with that of UCLA, as “high.”

Ray Drew:

This 6′4″, 243 lb. defensive end from Georgia has tremendous upside and because of that, Drew holds offers from almost every major program in the country. Though he wasn’t being recruited by the Trojans with Pete Carroll at the helm, he was being recruited by Lane Kiffin when he was at Tennessee and that interest went with Kiffin across the country to Los Angeles. Drew lists his interest in USC, like all others, as “medium.”

This list represents most of the four-star recruits that USC, along with those profiled in part two of the series, but not all.

As recruiting is most definitely a “fluid” process this early in the season, the next article in this series will finish up the balance of the four-star prep athletes the Trojans have offered, along with any they add to the list.

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Posted on February 24th, 2010 by Rick McMahan

When we last peered into the future, we saw the 2011 five star prep recruits that the Trojans had offered scholarships to and their possible interest in USC.

Now we turn our attention to the four star high school football players who hold scholarship offers from USC.

Initially, I had intended this series to be a two part affair but since Lane Kiffin and company have been so busy on the recruiting trail, I will have to extend it to three articles.

While the basis for these articles required the Trojans to have offered a scholarship to the players in question, I am also going to list those players (who have a rating of four stars or better) who don’t hold a offer but who have USC listed as “high” on their list of potential suitors.

The list of four star prep recruits is rather extensive, so lets get going:

George Farmer:

This 6′2″, 197 lb., 4.38 forty speedy wide receiver has long been thought to be a slam dunk for the Trojans. But not so fast. The receiving mate of 2010 Trojan recruit, Robert Woods (Both played at Serra high school) has recently gone on record as saying he is open to all suitors. While the Trojans remain “high” on his list, don’t look for a verbal commitment any time soon.

James Vaughters:

The Trojans need linebackers and James Vaughters fits the bill. 6′2″, 232 lbs, mean and with a nose for the ball, Vaughters has been offered by almost all of the premier programs in the country. James Vaughters lists his interest in the Trojans, like all of his suitors, as “medium.”

Doran Grant:

This speedy (4.37 forty) corner back has many suiters and lists the Trojans, like all others, as “medium” on his list. Possessing good size (5′10″ and 180 lbs) and athleticism (40″ vertical leap), Grant has great instincts to go with his solid fundamentals.

Sammy Watkins:

Another fast wide receiver with good size (6′1″, 180 lbs.), Watkins, who hails from South Ft. Meyers, Florida, has USC listed as “medium” on his list. However, it should be noted that Sammy Watkins lists Florida as “high” on his list and they indeed have offered Watkins already.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins:

With three tight ends from the 2009-2010 prep class already in USC’s fold, it would appear that the Trojans don’t have a pressing need at the position. However, Seferian-Jenkins, who goes 6′7″ and 245 lbs, has the size and athleticism that intrigues the Trojans (and almost all of the premier national programs). Of greater importance is that Seferian-Jenkins lists USC, along with UCLA as “high” on his list.

Anthony Wallace:

A 6′2″, 235 lb. beast of a middle linebacker, Anthony Wallace has all the traits that fit the mold of Trojan linebackers of the past. Though listed as a middle linebacker, Wallace has the speed to also man both the “mike” and “will” linebacker positions. Wallace has the Trojans listed as “medium,” which is what he lists all of the potential suitors who have offered him.

Jalen Grimble:

If the name sounds familiar, it should. Jalen Grimble is the younger brother of 2009-2010 USC tight end Xavier Grimble. Jalen Grimble, a 6′3.5″, 250 lb. defensive end who had five sacks as a sophomore, lists the Trojans as only “medium” on his list of potential suitors, which number in the dozens. However, Jalen Grimble has camped at USC, which should, along with the blood ties, work in the Trojans favor.

Wayne Lyons:

Almost every significant program in the country is after this 6′1″, 190 lb. safety who hails from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Included in his junior stats is an eye popping 21 tackles for loss. It is interesting to note that although Lyons camped at Florida, they have yet to offer him while almost every of major program has. Like all others who expressed interest in Wayne Lyons, he has the Trojans listed as “medium.”

Greg Townsend Jr.:

Son of the former Raider linebacker, Greg Jr., has all the traits of a great defensive end. 6′4″, 240 lbs, with a nose for the ball, Townsend had 10.5 sacks in his freshman and sophomore years. Townsend lists the Trojans as “medium,” but has camped at USC, which should help the Trojans cause.

Kris Harley:

This 6′2″, 260 lb. defensive tackle combines power and speed to its best effect on the defensive line. Harley, who hails from Indianapolis, IN., had five sacks as a junior and a solid 29″ vertical leap speaks of his athleticism as well. Although he will have to put on some weight at the college level, Harley has the frame to accommodate it. Harley lists his interest in the Trojans, like all others, as “medium.”

Aaron Green:

A quick, though small (5′10″, 175 lbs) running back from San Antonio, Texas, Aaron Green has all of the instincts of a great runner. Holding more than a dozen scholarship offers, Green lists the Trojans as of “medium” interest, which is the same as all of the others who have offered this electrifying back.

Okay, this list represents only about half of the four star recruits the Trojans have offered.

Many of these athletes will be five stars (as rated by Scout.com) by the time their senior seasons are complete.

For the Trojans, who have undoubtedly did their homework on these prep stars, the only rating that matters is what they have seen and they like them enough to have offered scholarships, which is good enough for me.

Next: Part 3 will finish up the balance of four star prep athletes the Trojans have offered.

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Posted on February 21st, 2010 by Rick McMahan

Now that the letters of intent for 2010 have all been signed and delivered (with the exception of Seantrel Henderson), is it too early to think about what’s on the horizon for 2011?

Naw…its never too early to ponder the possiblities for who may wear the cardinal and gold in the not too distant future for true Trojans fans.

After all, the sterling crop of 2010 recruits, the ones that helped the Trojans secure a top five class this year, were once in the position of those who I am going to profile right now.

These prep stars who are going into their senior class in 2011 have all been offered scholarships by USC and one, Antwuan Woods, has already pledged to the Trojans.

Part one of this two part series will focus on the five star recuits who the Trojans have offered, and part two will continue with the four star recruits who hold Trojans scholarship offers in their hip pockets.

The star ratings are supplied by Scout.com, a premier prep recruiting site.

Without further delay, let’s take a look at this talented group of prep football stars, along with their likelihood of signing with the Trojans:

Antwuan Woods:

This 6′0″, 291 lbs. defensive tackle started on both the defensive and offensive lines as a freshman for Taft high school in Woodland Hills, Ca. Quick and strong, Woods just keeps getting better each year. Antwuan Woods has given his verbal pledge to the Trojans spurning other offers from Florida and Tennessee among many others.

Braxton Miller:

A 6′3″, 200 lbs., 4.47 40 physical freak of a quarterback from Ohio, Braxton Miller is coveted by many programs. A four year starter for his high school, Miller holds dozens of scholarship offers and lists USC as of “medium interest.” This is the same listing he has for all of those who have made offers to him, but it appears Ohio State has the inside track here.

DeAnthony Thomas:

DeAnthony Thomas, a 5′11″, 188 lbs. speedster who runs the 40 in 4.4, has the Trojans listed as “high” on his list. Thomas is described as “electrifying” in all facets of his game which includes returning punts and kickoffs. At this point, UCLA appears to be the Trojans’ main competition for Thomas.

Cyrus Kouandjio:

A 6′7″, 291 lbs. offensive lineman from DeMatha high school in Hyattsville, MD, Kouandijo (say that three times real fast), absolutely dominates whoever is unlucky enough to be across the line of scrimmage from him. As is the same with the multitude of college programs who have made offers to him, Kouandijo lists his interest in the Trojans as “medium.”

Lawrence Thomas:

The Trojans would love to see Thomas in cardinal and gold. A 6′4″, 230 lbs. middle linebacker who is as quick as he is powerful, Thomas has been a starter on his high school team since his sophomore year. Thomas holds dozens of scholarship offers from all the top programs and he lists his interest in the Trojans, like all the others, as “medium.”

Ben Koyack:

Although the Trojans would like to see this talented tight end sign with them, given the class of tight ends signed in 2010, it is unlikely that Koyack, who hails from Oil City, PA, will accept their offer although he is listed as having medium interest in the Trojans.

Christian Westerman:

USC has this 6′5″, 295 lbs. offensive lineman from Chandler, AZ as an almost “must have” recruit. Westerman has been a starter for Hamilton High School, a perennial Arizona power, since his sophomore year. While Westerman, who holds dozens of offers from all the premier programs, lists his interest in USC as only “medium” (which is what he lists all those who have offered him), it is of note that Westerman camped at USC in his junior year.

Viliami Moala:

6′3″, 305 lbs. of defensive lineman terror, Moala helped his Grant High School (Sacramento, Ca.) pitch six shutouts. For his efforts, Moala was named the Goldenstatepreps.com junior high school player of the year. Although Moala only holds a few offers right now, expect that to change by the end of his senior year. Moala lists his interest in USC as “medium” but the early interest by the Trojans can only help in their recruitment of this talented lineman.

Jameel Poteat:

Poteat, who hails from Harrisburg, Pa, is a 5′11″, 205 lbs. 4.48 burner who combines power with shifty moves. Offered by most of the traditional powers, Poteat lists his interest in the Trojans as “medium.”

There you have it. The early look at the five star prep recruits who the Trojans have already offered.

Although a lot can happen between now and the 2011 signing date (like the results of the NCAA investigation of USC), it bears noting that many of the early five star recruits who showed early interest in the Trojans in 2009-10 (like Kyle Prater), did indeed sign with USC.

Besides, now you can get a head start on all your USC friends for chat material while gathering around the water fountain at work.

Next: The four star recruits that USC has offered.

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Posted on February 8th, 2010 by Rick McMahan

With the exception of a few recruits, such as Seantrel Henderson, who will wait to sign his LOI, this years Trojan recruiting class has been signed, sealed and delivered.

Looking ahead to the 2010 college football season, it is reasonable to speculate which of these talented recruits will see early playing time and those who will redshirt, destined to see the field at a later date.

With this in mind, here is a thumbnail sketch of those recruits and their likelihood to contribute early for the Trojans:

Seantrel Henderson:

Assuming that this fiver star recruit does sign his LOI with the Trojans, expect the massive offensive lineman to see playing time from the first moment he steps on the field. No redshirt for Henderson to be sure.

Marquis Jackson:

Still to sign his LOI (why I’m not sure), Jackson, as a JC transfer, will probably be given a chance to vie for a backup position to Nick Perry at defensive end. With the Trojans needing to replace Everson Griffin, there will be ample opportunities for Malik Jackson’s brother (also a defensive end) to contest playing time with him and others.

Soma Vainuku:

Vainuku, who also plays linebacker, will first be tried at fullback, which is the position the Trojans recruited him for. With Stanley Havili and DJ Shoemate ahead of him at the position, look for Vainuku to redshirt.

Christian Thomas:

One of three of the nations best five tight ends to sign with the Trojans, Thomas will be given ample opportunity to back up Rhett Ellison and Blake Ayles. Having said that, I expect two of the three tight end recruits to redshirt in 2010.

Giovanni Di Poalo:

This talented offensive lineman from Ventura, Ca. will be given a shot at a backup position on the O-line. Listed as a center, Di Poalo’s odds of redshirting increase exponentially if Seantrel Henderson does indeed sign with the Trojans.

Markeith Ambles:

The Trojans really cleaned up at the wide receiver position and Ambles is a large part of that haul. Ronald Johnson and Brice Butler are the likely starters in 2010, but with his talent, expect Ambles to vie for that third wideout (or slot) position. At least one of these wide receiver recruits will redshirt, which one(s) will be determined at spring and fall practice.

Glen Stanley:

This extremely talented JC linebacker from Arizona brings speed and intensity to the position and given the Trojans lack of depth at linebacker, Stanley will be given every opportunity to see the field.

Hayes Pullard:

Recruited as a middle linebacker, Pullard may see some backup time behind Chris Galippo but the smart money has Pullard redshirting in 2010.

Nickell Robey:

Robey, a recruit that Lane Kiffin brought with him from Tennessee, is a superb kick returner and with both Damien Williams and Joe McKnight now gone, Nickell Robey will be given a long look in practice as a returner. If Robey can bring some of the electricity of his high school returns to the college game, he will play in 2010. If this is the case, Robey will also backup the cornerbacks, which is his regular position.

Demetrius Wright:

Another very talented cornerback, Demetrius Wright will also get a long look in practice and with the Trojans preparing to graduate Shareece Wright (no relation) next year, Demetrius Wright will be given every opportunity to see the field in 2010.

So there you have it. A look at the first half of the Trojans high school class of 2009.

Of course, the majority of questions asked in regard to who redshirts and who doesn’t will be answered in spring and fall practice.

Those players who prove their worth will be given opportunities to see the field early. In this regard, Lane Kiffin holds the same criteria as Pete Carroll who was never shy about playing freshmen.

This a very talented class of freshmen and don’t be surprised if more than a few avoid a redshirt year in 2010.

Next: Part 2 of the USC 2009 recruiting class and their likelihood of early playing time.

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Posted on February 4th, 2010 by Rick McMahan

Amidst the celebration of a very promising prep recruiting class delivered by new USC head coach Lane Kiffin, there remains the spectre of possible sanctions that may be coming the Trojans way via the NCAA infractions committee.

These possible sanctions, tied to whatever is found regarding the Reggie Bush investigation, continue to cast a pall over the Trojan football program and now it appears that it may eventually cost USC its arguably most coveted recruit.

Seantrel Henderson, the mammoth offensive lineman from Minnesota, who made his decision for the Trojans late yesterday afternoon, has not signed his letter of intent and doesn’t plan to until later this month.

According to his father, Sean, Henderson will wait until USC appears before the NCAA investigation committee to see what, if any, sanctions are coming the Trojans way.

According to an article in Sports Illustrated, Henderson wants to make sure that USC doesn’t receive excessive penalties, which may limit Henderson’s full potential while at the school.

Seantrel Henderson didn’t address the issue himself, preferring to let his father do the talking on this subject.

What Henderson did address was the comfort he found at USC while on his recruiting trip and the quality of the recruiting class the Trojans had acquired.

Saying that he expected the Trojans and Florida to vie for the national championship the next three years, Henderson had only good things to say about USC and his future with the Trojans.

Of course, if USC does receive severe sanctions from the NCAA, Henderson’s future will be elsewhere.

So, the final determination as to the quality of this years recruiting class for USC remains to be seen.

Despite the fluid nature of Seantrel Hendersons signed letter of intent, USC’s recruiting class was more than could be reasonably expected given the timing and departure of Pete Carroll.

Hats off to Lane Kiffin and his staff for bringing in an amazing class under difficult circumstances.

This is a quality class, especially in the skilled positions such as tight end and wide receiver.

Quarterback Matt Barkley should shine for years to come with this incredibly talented group.

That is if the Trojans can provide offensive line protection that will give him time to find and throw to his receivers.

All that is left now is to find those offensive linemen.

And the Trojans hope that search starts with the signing of Seantrel Henderson.

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Posted on February 2nd, 2010 by Rick McMahan

With national signing day less than 24 hours away, it is time to take stock of the Trojans prospect for fielding a quality class of recruits for the 2009-2010 high school football season.

The loss of Pete Carroll as head coach of the Trojans has affected this years class but not to the extent that it was feared prior to the announcement of Lane Kiffin as the new head man of USC.

In fact, now that Kiffin has taken over for Carroll, the Trojans find themselves squarely in the sights of several highly rated prospects who were not seriously considering the Trojans just three weeks ago.

Demar Dorsey, who recently backed off of his verbal commitment to Florida and was part of the ten recruits who visited the Trojans this past weekend, now has USC high on his list although Florida State will be hard to overtake for the services of this talented athlete.

Chaz Green, the mammoth offensive lineman from Tampa, Fl. was also a last minute push of the Trojans and was heavily recruited by Kiffin when he was at Tennessee. The Trojans and Florida will vie for this talented prep player. Green goes to the top of the Trojan wish list if Seantrel Henderson opts for someone other than USC.

Nickel Robey, the very talented corner back from Georgia also was part of this last weekends troop of visitors and rated his trip to the land of the Trojans as a “10.” Robey said that the trip was motivated by the hiring of Kiffin, whom he said he could ” definitely see playing for.”

These are just some of the talented prep players that the Trojans might find playing for them in the coming years.

What we do know now is that two of those verbal commitments prior to the departure of Carroll now are no longer considering USC and have placed their pledges to other schools.

Brice Schwab, the talented and massive junior college offensive lineman from Mt. Palomar in California now has Arizona State listed as the school he will sign with tomorrow. Schwab will come in and vie for a starting position with the Sun Devils immediately and his defection will be a sore spot for the Trojans who need depth at the position.

The other known defection is Matt Darr, the #1 prep punter in the nation. Darr notified the Trojans that he will now sign with Fresno State and that the departure of Pete Carroll was main reason for his dropping USC.

What we also know is that Giovani Di Paolo, the highly rated offensive lineman from St. Bonaventure high school in Ventura, Ca., is no longer a “lock” for the Trojans who will now compete with UCLA for his services.

This comes as sort of a surprise due to the fact that Di Paolo lobbied for months for an offer from the Trojans whom he called his “dream school.”

Apparently Pete Carroll was a large part of those “dreams.”

So with the drama of tomorrow’s signing date looming large in the rear view mirror, the questions building for days and weeks will finally be answered.

Given the timing of Pete Carroll’s departure, the Trojans probably could not ask for a better situation than they received when Lane Kiffin accepted the USC offer to become their new head coach.

Kiffin, along with his father Monte and recruiting head man Ed Orgeron, has and will continue to do a masterful job at luring both regional and national talent to the Trojans.

The pipeline of prep talent will continue to flow into the southland for the Trojans who, in the long run, may find themselves better off with Carroll now residing in Seattle.

I expect the annual question of when Pete Carroll will leave for the NFL will not be part of the off season verbiage now that Lane Kiffin is the head man for USC.

Who knows how many recruits opted for other schools due to questions of when Pete Carroll will leave USC for greener pastures?

What we do know is that this question is no longer part of the equation for Lane Kiffin and the USC Trojans.

We also know that tomorrow will begin the true start of the Lane Kiffin era and that Trojan nation waits with fingers crossed in hopes of another highly regarded recruiting class.

How that class shapes up remains to be seen but given the circumstances, USC could not ask for a better situation.

February 3 will answer a lot of questions but should not be seen as the true indication of how Lane Kiffin will fare at bringing prep talent to USC.

Those questions will be better served by the signing class of 2010-2011 for the Trojans.

But tomorrow will be a nice lead in for that class and Lane Kiffin hopes for the best.

So does Trojan nation.

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Posted on January 26th, 2010 by Rick McMahan

The one thing USC fans feared with Pete Carroll’s departure was the effect it would have on this year’s recruiting class.

Would there be a backlash from the verbal commitments who have already pledged to USC? What about those who were considering the Trojans but have yet to decide? Would they still cross USC off of their list?

Ummm…no and no.

With the announcement of Lane Kiffin as USC’s head coach to replace Carroll, the response of those who had verbally committed to the Trojans, by and large, was immediate.

They are sticking with USC.

Almost all of the in-state recruits were expected to stay with the Trojans, but this was not necessarily the case with those beyond the friendly confines of the state border.

Kyle Prater, the all-everything wide receiver from Illinois, said that when Carroll accepted the offer to become the Seattle Seahawks head coach, he would open the recruiting process back up. Same thing with the No. 1 tight end, Xavier Grimble, from Las Vegas.

So, what happened?

Well, Prater has just enrolled for classes and will be joining the Trojans for spring practice.

And Grimble reaffirmed his commitment to the Trojans.

The hiring of Lane Kiffin has turned out to be quite a coup for USC, who brought a coach back to the Trojans already familiar to the system that Pete Carroll left behind and who obviously has the juice to recruit both locally and nationally.

Which brings me to Markeith Ambles.

Ambles, the highly sought after wide receiver from McDonough, Ga., was recently spotted on USC’s campus and is expected to sign with the Trojans on Feb. 3.

Is this a good thing?

Normally, when a prominent recruit signs with a college team, there is cause for rejoicing for those who follow the team.

This may not be the case with Ambles.

Pete Carroll had initially targeted Markeith Ambles as a wide receiver due to his incredible speed and athleticism.

That has not changed. Ambles is supremely talented.

But he also comes with some baggage.

Due to questions regarding impropriety with Markeith Ambles recruitment, Carroll backed off Ambles and stopped recruiting him back in July.

With the Reggie Bush investigation looming in the distance, Carroll thought that the increased exposure Ambles would bring USC would not help with the NCAA.

Carroll was probably right.

But with the departure of Carroll, things have changed.

Lane Kiffin, who went after Ambles hard while he was head coach at Tennessee, has no such compunctions. Kiffin picked up the recruiting of Ambles when he was named head coach at USC and thus, Ambles’ interest in the Trojans has been reciprocated.

If there is nothing to the smoke billowing around Ambles regarding any fire associated with his recruitment, then Kiffin should go forth with his recruitment, and the Trojans should be thankful if he signs.

However, if there are any improprieties with Ambles, then Kiffin should back off and end the recruiting process now.

There are at least two reasons for not recruiting Ambles if there is even a hint of truth to questions regarding him.

One is obvious and has already been stated. USC does not need any additional exposure with the NCAA.

The other is that the Trojans are absolutely loaded at the wide receiver position with this year’s recruiting class.

Depending on which recruiting service you subscribe to, the Trojans already have three of the top 30 prep receivers verbally committed to USC come signing day.

Please note, this is not just three of the top 30 prep players (the Trojans have more than just three of those), but those three are all wide receivers.

In addition to Kyle Prater, the Trojans also have Robert Woods, the speedster from Serra High School, who many consider an even better prospect than Prater, and Dillon Baxter from San Diego.

All Baxter has done is set a state record for scoring and was named state player of the year.

Now, it is possible that Baxter will be tried first at running back, since Kiffin has taken over for Carroll.

Nonetheless, the Trojans are stocked at the position.

So, be careful Lane Kiffin.

Be damned certain that Markeith Ambles doesn’t bring more than a soft pair of hands and exceptional speed if and when he signs with the Trojans.

While we may need his talent, we don’t need any suspicion with the football program.

We have enough of that already.

Related posts

• Laying the Foundation: USC Football Recruiting, 2011 (Part Four) (0)
• USC Football: The Twists and Turns of the Special Teams in 2010 (0)
• Laying the Foundation: USC Football Recruiting, 2011 (Part 3) (0)
• Frankie Telfort: The Would-Be Trojan Linebacker Is Still a Winner (0)
• Laying the Foundation: USC Football Recruiting, 2011 (Part 2) (0)