Cutting Corners
So USC's recruiting class should feature the nation's top quarterback (Matt Barkley) and defensive end (Devon Kennard), two of the top linebackers (Vontaze Burfict, Manti Te'o) and two of the top safeties (Patrick Hall, Tim McDonald). Is that enough?
Well, there's the noticeable lack of cornerbacks, which becomes a real issue a year from now. And then there's the lack of a tailback. A year from now, USC will probably have only Marc Tyler around and be a bunch of incoming freshmen to break in at training camp.
So a tailback this year would have been great to groom for 2010. That's why Tyler Gaffney made so much sense. But he didn't want to be a blocker for four years.
You ever hear of Bryce Brown? Stay tuned. It could happen.
is Vontaze Decommiting for ASU????
Man I love USC so much I wouldn't mind filling in at tailback. Just not sure my 5'10 1/2 (5'11 w/ shoes) 165lb frame can handle the beating. Hey Scott, any vacancies for waterboys this year?
There are several commits and prospects for this year's class who can actually play more than one position. For cornerback, PC seems to prefer bigger guys, so I wouldn't be surprised if 1 or 2 of the "safety" commits are moved to CB.
Patrick Hall may play HB as well, though he's likely to remain on defense.
Also don't forget about Curtis McNeal, who impressed coaches during practices throughout the season.
Yes, it would've been nice to secure a HB this season (Brown remains a remote possibility), but as you said a few days ago, this is a weak year for California HBs.
For what it's worth, USC already has 2 HB verbals for the 2010 class.
Marc Tyler will be the only TB left? This seems like a somewhat shocking development. Are you saying that both C.J. Gable & Joe McKnight (sophomores) are going to make the early jump to the NFL and that Allen Bradford won't be given a medical red shirt year for his hip? I have to say, I didn't see this one coming. I guess the coaches really don't know what they're doing.
Don't forget that tight end will be a big spot to fill? Bryon Moore would have played cornerback.
Gable is a senior in 2009. If McKnight stays, he will be a senior in 2010. Bradford would be a redshirt senior in 2010. Tyler and McNeil will be here in 2010. Thus, for 2010, I count 4 HBs plus recruits. Also, Ayles will be the TE for the next two years, at least.
oops...McNeal
There needs to be depth at tight end and cornerback we only have Ayles and Ellision.
C.J. Gable is a redshirt junior next season, he sat out his 2nd season with injury.
Recruit Jonathon McKnight for cornerback he is a junior in high school.
We need depth at quarterback with Garrett Green leaving next season.
Yes corner-back is a need but due to the quality depth you can not just take bodies.
Let's be clear, if we also land Vontaze and Manti, then this may be PC's greatest recruiting class ever. All of the talk of a 2009 demise is paranoia, IMO. I have heard that Patrick Hall WILL play tailback. And, of course, expect 2 or 3 SC recruiting surprises on signing day.....Telfort, Brown, Starling? I could not be more excited to see Kennard, McDonald, Burfict, Te'O, Hall, etc. hit the field. The monopoly continues.....
You can always bring in a JC RB/CB if you really have a need. As far as Joe McKnight is concerned, he will be out of here the second he is eligible for the NFL. He is a marginal student and is only interested in playing in the NFL (just my opinion).
KCBS has video from today of Devon Kennard commiting to USC
thanks for the heads up on the video... Welcome to USC DK
OK, the biggest hurdle to our recruiting often seems to be that we have so much talent that even 5-star studs are not guranteed a spot. So with spots opening in the next coming years, I see that as a positive. We can go out and get nearly anybody we want if there is playing time available for them as a freshman.
The sky is not falling there chicken little.
So USC's recruiting class should feature the nation's top quarterback (Matt Barkley) and defensive end (Devon Kennard), two of the top linebackers (Vontaze Burfict, Manti Te'o) and two of the top safeties (Patrick Hall, Tim McDonald). Is that enough?
Well, there's the noticeable lack of cornerbacks, which becomes a real issue a year from now. And then there's the lack of a tailback. A year from now, USC will probably have only Marc Tyler around and be a bunch of incoming freshmen to break in at training camp.
So a tailback this year would have been great to groom for 2010. That's why Tyler Gaffney made so much sense. But he didn't want to be a blocker for four years.
Scott Wolf, aka "No Clue," or, NC for short, has really topped himself here with trying to find something wrong when there's nothing wrong-his specialty.
There is never going to be a year where every position is talented and loaded-the perfect world.
2010 RB's: Tyler & McNeal, maybe Hall (could be at safety or CB but will apparently start out at RB). Baxter & Morgan already committed from the class of 2010 with USC recruiting at least another RB.
Bryant, Baucham, Jones, & T. Harris is a good group to start with and all but Jones will return in 2011 (in case NC is looking ahead for doom and gloom).
Gable is a redshirt Junior in 09. Also I live in Arizona and rumors are Burfict might go to ASU. He would do this for two reasons. He's an idiot and/or he's chicken to compete.