2011 Class

Here’s some analysis I did on this year’s recruiting class:

Top needs

Although it is rarely mentioned, USC filled three holes when it signed a kicker (Andre Heidari), punter (Kris Albarado) and long-snapper (Peter McBride). The Trojans need all three next season. The other pressing spots were offensive line and linebacker. USC signed four high school and two junior-college linemen. It also signed four prep linebackers.

Maybe later

The two quarterbacks (Cody Kessler, Max Wittek) do not figure into next season’s plans but should contend for the starting job if Matt Barkley turns pro after the season. Some of the highly regarded defensive linemen will likely redshirt because there is some depth there. Wide receiver Victor Blackwell could also redshirt.

Notable

None of the recruiting experts said linebacker Lamar Dawson would select USC. He was named Mr. Football in Kentucky. Linebacker Anthony Sarao and tailback Amir Carlisle decommitted from Stanford and are honor students. Junior-college cornerback Isiah Wiley tried to enroll in January but did not academically qualify so he will enroll this summer. Tailback Javorious Allen played linebacker in high school but will fill the “big back” role for the Trojans.

What’s missing?

More offensive linemen are needed as the Trojans enter spring drills with only eight healthy linemen. Coach Lane Kiffin would also like more linebackers to address depth issues. The defection of De’Anthony Thomas robs the class of a shutdown cornerback and leaves a hole in the secondary for next season.

6 thoughts on “2011 Class

  1. What pro league will Barkley leave for because it can’t be the NFL, maybe the CFL ? Barkley leaving for the pros, ROTFLMAO

  2. USA Today says Cyrus K. is back on the market for a day or two. If USC really wants to piss-off the NCAA more, they should save the three scholarships, and use them for early enrollments next year. They would count against the 2011 class.

  3. How does a 5’8″ (5’9″ on tippie-toes) qualify as a shutdown corner? I’m not sure Monte would feel good about putting Robey and D’Anthony out there at the same time. Imagine Michael Floyd catching jump balls on those two all day. I would love to see Marqise Lee develop into a shutdown corner. Many of the scouts have said he has the potential to be a very special CB or safety. I’m definitely looking forward to his development. The Mamba would have been a nice luxury pickup, but I’m not sure he’s much more than that. We’ve got Dillon Baxter to produce the highlight reel plays, we’ll leave the real cornerbacking to guys who at least come up to Kiffin’s nipples.

  4. Scott- What happened to Steve Dillon’s FAX? I saw video of him tossing blockers to the ground like rag dolls.

  5. Remember Seantrell?
    Just askin…
    How many of these knuckleheads will NOT QUALIFY? As of today the official over’s/under’s is FOUR (4)
    Fite on Troxan!
    The Curse of The Gay bronze horse(francis?) is Upon You.

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