Answer Thursday! (Part 3)
The offensive line's woeful depth highlights this segment.
Q: Trojans Rule said:
HI SCOTT:
If by say next Jan. 15th, our appeal has not been completed, will we try and bring in 25 players for the 2011 class, plus another 10 or so that would come in in early Jan., so as not to count against our 2011 limit? Also, there seems to be some confusion on the board. If our appeal is denied, say in October, aren't we limited to 15 scholarships in Feb., 2011, plus whatever we can bring in in Jan., 2011? Sincere thanx.
A: USC will sign 25 players in February plus as many mid-year signings as possible. The scholarship limits do not take effect until the 2011-12 season.
Q: TROJANS32 said:
Scott, was Martin brought in on his own merits, or more as insurance that Thomas keeps his verbal committment? Thank you.
A: I would say both except with one caveat. Unfortunately, Pete Carroll did a lousy job recruiting offensive linemen last season and the departure of Seantrel Henderson means only one lineman came in this year. So that means USC needs to sign as many as possible this year and that whoever they can get, they might take. It's that bad right now from the line's depth situation. So anyone is welcome.
Wolf,
I believe that is incorrect. USC is self-imposing some of the sanctions this year. As such they are imposing an 80 scholarship limit with 20 max. new offers this coming year. I believe we are at 71, so the most we can go to is adding 9 in Jan. If we do so it may affect how many we add in Feb. Not sure how many are graduating.
Also, the answer you gave me was incorrect. Players can leave after Sept. They can even play in a Jan. bowl after playing for USC for the season by transferring after Dec. classes are completed as long as they transfer to a school with a compatible class schedule. They can also transfer as late as Sept. 10 for this season as long as they transfer to a school that is on a quarter system.
This year's juniors can also transfer next year should they wish to do so. There is no time limit. When the sophomores turn into juniors they will not be given this option. It is only for current juniors and seniors.
I'm sure it was just an editing error, Sy. You do know that Wolf is an Ap voter, don't you.
USC isn't self imposing any scholarship penalties this year, just the bowl ban. They're trying to squeeze in as many guys as possible before the NCAA's kick in.
Hi Sam Gilbert,
I'm not sure what your source is and it is hard to find a source on this subject; however, in this week's podcast they covered this specific issue and stated that SC was self imposing limits of 80 and 20. If you know something to the contrary and can cite the source I would appreciate hearing or seeing it. You can hear the podcast at: http://peristylepodcast.com/
Look forward to your thoughts...
thats not much of a self imposition since sc routinely sings under the 25 scholly max
About your answer...
"A: USC will sign 25 players in February plus as many mid-year signings as possible. The scholarship limits do not take effect until the 2011-12 season."
The February you mention will be in February 2011 and it is for signing recruits to play in the 2011-12 season.
Mike, The Answer was poorly worded. But since the penalties are stayed during the appeal (except for the unrestricted transfer allowances), and since the appeal will most likely last beyond 2/2/11, USC will be free to offer up to 10 scholarships to early enrollees (against last year's limit of 25) and 25 scholarships as long as they don't exceed 85. Of course, as Sy noted, USC appears set to "accept" 5 scholarship reductions per year for three years. Thus it will only offer up to 20 scholarships to 8/11 enrolles, provided that their offers do not raise their total scholarships over 80.
However, if the appeal is denied, and USC has signed more than 15 scholarship players slated to arrive in 8/11, or if the total number of scholarship players would exceed 75 by 8/11 (when the 11-12 academic year begins), would USC be forced to recind some of those offers?
USC hasn't "self-imposed" anything. They were given their NCAA sentence, and are now whining, squealing, wheeling and dealing (and appealing). "Self impose" implies a conscience...nice try, Sy!
Obfuscate on!
Sy,
I asked Wolf if they were going to self-impose 5 like they're hoping for in the last Q&A and he had said no, they were only doing the bowl ban this season. And now that I realize Wolf was my source... I feel a little stupid.
Hi NJ Trojan,
No, I don't believe so as the appeal process forces a delay into the following year. USC should be fine; however, if the appeal moves more quickly than expected then it is possible.
Hi Maze,
Sanctions do not go into effect until after the appeal process is concluded, which generally takes 9 months. As such USC decided to self-impose a one year bowl ban and a five scholarship reduction with a maximum scholarship count of 80 until the appeal is concluded. This is a good strategy as it will soften the outcome should the NCAA not reduce the sanctions. Consequently we will have completed half of our bowl ban and end up with two years with a limit of 20 scholarships (a typical year for SC) and two with a limit of 15.
Hi Sam Gilbert,
I also received what appears to be the wrong information from Wolf. That maybe due to the situation being fluid and SC changed their decisions after communicating to Wolf or his source. The source I have for the current decision is http://peristylepodcast.com/. If you find any other sources I would like to know more. Thanks...
Wolf is a moron with no sources. Why does anyone believe what he writes. If you want facts, read the real sports journalists in the L.A. Times.