Answer Wednesday!

Lots of questions push the answers into Day 3.

Q: Trojans Rule said:

Looking back, right now it would seem to me that the 2008 football recruiting class was underrated.
I know you don’t have much to go on yet, but, right now, based on their reputation, film or lives games you saw, positions that they play etc., do you think the ’09 recruiting class will underperform or outperform their rating?
Of course, we’ll all know much more as time goes on, but lets say they had a consensus rating of number 4, and as of right now, can you just take your best guess, as you know these players in general better than the ratings services. Thanks.

A: It’s hard to say a USC recruiting class is underrated when you look at where they get ranked by the recruiting services. A recruiting class usually has about 6-7 core players who contribute substantially and how well they do determines its ranking. If you ranked No. 4, overperforming is much more difficult than underperforming. Players like Jarvis Jones, Patrick Hall and Tim McDonald Jr., will determine the answer because there’s a lot of hope within the program for how they will perform but right now it’s no certainty how much they will play.

Q: Pop Goes The Weasel said:
When you wrote about Armstead being tried at DE, there were 5 guys you mentioned. I know Perry, Jackson, Horton and maybe others can play DE, not counting freshmen, but who else do we have that can play inside on the defensive line? Off the top of my head, I can think of DaJohn Harris, but that’s about it, so anybody else? Thanx, Scott.

A: Hebron Fangupo arrives in the fall (if he qualifies) and Derek Simmons moves back to defensive tackle from offensive guard.

Q: gotroy22 said:
Is Griffen a dead man walking after his latest antics?

A: Three things to consider: 1. He missed only one morning workout. 2. USC players get a long leash. 3. The defensive line is a question mark and needs its key players.
That should answer the question.