Pacific Takes - USC Football Recruiting 2013: Trojans With No.1 Recruiting ClassWhere The West Coast Is The Best Coasthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52598/pt_fav.png2012-12-30T13:00:50-08:00http://www.pacifictakes.com/rss/stream/32694052012-12-30T13:00:50-08:002012-12-30T13:00:50-08:00Torrodney Prevot update
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<figcaption>Harry How</figcaption>
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<p>USC defensive commit Torrodney Prevot will take a look at Notre Dame just before LOI day.</p> <p>Another USC Trojans defensive target is taking a look around the college football landscape. Torrodney Prevot is a top outside linebacker/defensive end prospect who would feature prominently in future Trojan pass rushes. He's a top recruit from Texas who figures to be a critical part of USC going forward. He's been solid to USC for about five months, but now he's taking a last look around. He has his eyes set on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for an official.</p>
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<p>Torrodney Prevot says he is 100% committed to <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23USC">#USC</a>, but will visit <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23NotreDame">#NotreDame</a> Jan. 25.</p>
— Gerard Martinez (@gmartlive) <a href="https://twitter.com/gmartlive/status/285450866000023553" data-datetime="2012-12-30T18:22:44+00:00">December 30, 2012</a>
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Is Prevot seriously considering Notre Dame or is he just angling for a visit before he firms up to the Trojans? It's unclear. Here is what Ryan Abraham of Inside Troy is saying</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23ArmyBowl">#ArmyBowl</a> @<a href="https://twitter.com/rivalsmike">rivalsmike</a> won't let recruits w/ potential visits say they are a 100% commit. So Jalen Ramsey and Torrodney Prevot said 99% <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23USC">#USC</a></p>
— Ryan Abraham (@insidetroy) <a href="https://twitter.com/insidetroy/status/285472630872621056" data-datetime="2012-12-30T19:49:13+00:00">December 30, 2012</a>
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<p>It's looking like Prevot might just be taking a gander at what South Bend has to offer for him, although it is interesting the visit comes so close to LOI day. It looks as if Notre Dame will be the last school he really gets to examine before making his decision, but it's also pretty late in the process so it might just be something he wants to check out before confirming a USC commitment.</p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/pac-12-football-recruiting/2012/12/30/3818132/usc-trojans-notre-dame-fighting-irish-football-recruitingAvinash Kunnath2012-12-30T06:00:07-08:002012-12-30T06:00:07-08:00Max Redfield recruiting update
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Max Redfield is likely to select Notre Dame over USC.</p> <p>With Oregon pulling away from safety Max Redfield, it looks like there are two teams in the running left: The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the USC Trojans.<a target="_blank" href="http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1453284&PT=4&PR=2"> It looks as if Notre Dame is the favorite here</a>, and he will end up making a decision that will help him join up with one of the best defensive staffs.<br><br>Redfield has already decommitted from USC once, so it seems like the Trojans have work to do to get him back. Also, USC is running out of scholarships, and they might be moving onto other targets that they like a little bit better. USC is aiming at players like Leon McQuay III to complement Su'a Cravens as their other safety, and it's likely if McQuay is favoring the Trojans that Redfield will not end up there too. The Trojans would have four defensive back commits, and that's probably all they can afford with their limited scholarships.</p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/pac-12-football-recruiting/2012/12/30/3814794/usc-torjans-notre-dame-fighting-irish-football-recruitingAvinash Kunnath2012-12-29T07:00:04-08:002012-12-29T07:00:04-08:00Joe Mathis has a final five
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<p>Where will the Upland defensive end decide to go play collegiate ball?</p> <p>Both the UCLA Bruins and Washington Huskies have decent odds at landing Joe Mathis, but the USC Trojans, Alabama Crimson Tide and the Texas A&M Aggies all have a chance here too. Mathis listed his top five this weekend and they included all five of these schools.</p>
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<p>4-star DE Joe Mathis (Upland, CA) told me he will make his decision January 5. Finalists: Texas A+M, Alabama, UCLA, USC, and Washington</p>
— David Lombardi (@DavidMLombardi) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidMLombardi/status/282727247142600704" data-datetime="2012-12-23T06:00:03+00:00">December 23, 2012</a>
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<p>In fact, Joe Mathis told me favorite among A+M, Bama, UCLA, USC, and Washington will be school where he can get playing time as a true FR</p>
— David Lombardi (@DavidMLombardi) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidMLombardi/status/282727834529710080" data-datetime="2012-12-23T06:02:23+00:00">December 23, 2012</a>
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<p>Mathis is one of the top defensive lineman still available on the West Coast and could be an impact game changer for whoever lands him. Apparently UCLA and Washington are near the top of the pack for landing Mathis. Mathis enjoyed his visit to Washington a few weeks ago and seemed to have good times at UCLA too.</p>
<p>If there's any determining factor, <a target="_blank" href="http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1453284&PT=4&PR=2">it could be the Tosh Lupoi factor</a>.</p>
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<p>Defensive end <a href="http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=132178">Joe Mathis</a> will also choose at Army and his decision is interesting mainly because he will choose between <a href="http://washington.rivals.com">Washington</a> and <a href="http://ucla.rivals.com">UCLA</a>, although he'll also have <a href="http://USC.rivals.com">USC</a>, <a href="http://tamu.rivals.com">Texas A&M</a> and <a href="http://Alabama.rivals.com">Alabama</a> hats on the table. Look for <a href="http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewcoach.asp?Coach=2140">Tosh Lupoi</a> and the Huskies to take this one, barring a left turn.</p>
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<p>Lupoi is going hard after Eddie Vanderdoes and Mathis in hopes of cobbling together a porous Washington defensive line. The team needs big bodies up front if they plan on beating the best teams in the conference on a regular basis. Mathis would be in good shape to play immediately as Washington lacks true difference makers up front. It would be a big victory for UDub to beat out schools like USC and Alabama for Mathis's services.</p>
<p>Mathis will make his decision January 5th.</p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/pac-12-football-recruiting/2012/12/29/3814114/washington-huskies-ucla-bruins-usc-trojans-alabama-crimson-tide-football-recruitingAvinash Kunnath2012-12-29T03:00:06-08:002012-12-29T03:00:06-08:00Eddie Vanderdoes recruiting update
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<p>Where will the best defensive tackle on the West Coast end up?</p> <p>Have the Washington Huskies emerged as the favorite to take on Placer defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes? The long-time USC Trojans verbal has decommitted and <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/gmartlive/status/284509875726340096">has schools like UCLA and Notre Dame on the short list as well</a>. But it looks as if Washington and USC might be the main teams to beat here.</p>
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<p>Source: Eddie Vanderdoes down to <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Washington">#Washington</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Cal">#Cal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Alabama">#Alabama</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23USC">#USC</a> with Cal now out w/Dykes in. Believed to be 2-horse race between UW and USC</p>
— lars hanson (@LarsHanson) <a href="https://twitter.com/LarsHanson/status/284568933200171008" data-datetime="2012-12-28T07:58:15+00:00">December 28, 2012</a>
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<p>This is why Steve Sarkisian lured Tosh Lupoi away from Cal to Washington to begin with: His ability to convince big-time prospects to sign up for a program that struggled to show even the slightest upward momentum. Lupoi's ability to sell young recruits on a school and build top-25 recruiting classes at Cal during down seasons helped establish his rep as a top recruiter, and Lupoi would eventully help lure in former Cal commit Shaq Thompson to Washington.</p>
<p>Of course, there are plenty of other schools that are in the running. Like UCLA, the cross-town rival that is coming off a strong year and seems to be set to be a force in the Pac-12 South year after year. Or Notre Dame and Alabama, two teams that pedigreed championship defense in their run-up to Miami this January. Even Cal might get some pub as the local team.</p>
<p>But right now consider USC and Washington the favorites here.</p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/pac-12-football-recruiting/2012/12/29/3810736/usc-trojans-washington-huskies-ucla-bruins-notre-dame-football-recruitingAvinash Kunnath2012-12-29T02:00:07-08:002012-12-29T02:00:07-08:00USC enrolling five players early
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<p>The USC Trojans will be enrolling five players early so that they'll be available for spring practice.</p> <p>With USC losing several key contributors at multiple positions, it's essential that USC hits on every one of them. Who is coming to the USC Trojans in the spring to compete for starting time immediately? <a target="_blank" href="http://usc.ocregister.com/2012/12/19/early-arrivals-sign-scholarship-papers-with-usc/113029/">Here's the list of early enrollees</a> who will compete in the spring and get their chance to start early.<br><br>Max Browne, the top pro-style quarterback in the country from Skyline in Sammamish, Washington. He's also the top Washington recruit overall.<br><br>Su'a Cravens, the top safety in the country and the top California recruit from Vista Murrieta in Marrieta, California.<br><br>Justin Davis, one of the top running backs in the country from Lincoln in Stockton, California.<br><br>Chris Hawkins, one of the top cover corners in the country, hailing from Rancho Cucamonga, California.<br><br>Kylie Fitts, an excellent defensive end who will fit in up front in the rotation from Redlands, California. </p>
<p>So if you're counting, you have recruits that fill important positions of need for Lane Kiffin at multiple spots. Quarterback, running back, the secondary, and along the edge of the defensive line are all cleared up. There are plenty of other spots that need to be filled, and USC has to go through and fix up all of them.</p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/usc-trojans/2012/12/29/3812962/usc-trojans-max-browne-sua-cravens-justin-davis-chris-hawkins-kylie-fittsAvinash Kunnath2012-12-19T09:01:15-08:002012-12-19T09:01:15-08:00Could A'Shawn Robinson switch from Texas to USC?
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<figcaption>Bob Levey</figcaption>
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<p>Could the USC Trojans land a huge tackle prospect from Texas? Texas Longhorns verbal A'Shawn Robinson might be considering a switch.</p> <p>The USC Trojans are trying to make the most of their limited scholarships, particularly with two spots open now that Eldridge Massington and Max Redfield have looked elsewhere. So when they get a chance at a can't miss player like A'Shawn Robinson, they're probably going to pursue things. Robinson is currently committed to Texas, but suddenly there seems to be a lot of interest in him.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.burntorangenation.com/2012/12/11/3756256/ashawn-robinson-usc-trojans-official-visit-texas-longhorns-football-recruiting">Wescott Eberts of Burnt Orange Nation files this report</a>.</p>
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<p>According to someone with close ties to the USC program, the depth of knowledge that Robinson had about the Trojans was particularly surprising.</p>
<p>Not enough? Star safety and USC pledge Su'a Cravens was around Robinson all weekend and said that the Texas commit "<a href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/5-star-Sua-Cravens-talks-USC-recruiting-1110894?NICK_NAME=beanpj&LEVEL=2&TIME=1355266345&SIG=fc1ed5875be7e031bc401c158007bfa9">loved the visit</a> ($)" and was "all smiles" the entire weekend. Considering that Robinson is extremely low-key and tough to get much out of, for him to be that expressive is extremely telling.</p>
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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-recruiting/2012/12/7/3741026/ashawn-robinson-visiting-usc-trojans-texas-longhorns-recruiting-alabama">More from Eberts at SB Nation</a>.</p>
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<p>Robinson is still considered a fairly solid verbal to Texas, the school that he committed to back in February without taking visits. Florida State was a destination earlier in the fall for the game against Clemson, while an Alabama trip was cancelled, through Robinson still plans on making it to Tuscaloosa before Signing Day.</p>
<p>Do any of the schools have a significant chance of flipping one of the top defensive tackles in the country and getting him out of the state of Texas?</p>
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<p><br><br><br>It's unlikely that USC's pursuit of Robinson will hinder the commitments of Eddie Vanderdoes and Kenny Bigelow, as USC runs a 4-3 that's conducive to multiple defensive tackles. But it's clear that USC is keeping all their options open for as long as they possibly can.</p>
<p>Texas has been struggling this year, and despite the issues USC has had, the Trojans seem to be having no issues overcoming their recruiting troubles.</p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/pac-12-football-recruiting/2012/12/19/3783684/texas-longhorns-usc-trojans-ashawn-robinson-recruitingAvinash Kunnath2012-12-19T04:40:27-08:002012-12-19T04:40:27-08:00USC goes after nation's top running back
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<p>Derrick Green has a top six that includes the Oregon Ducks. Could the USC Trojans somehow enter the recruiting battle in the 11th hour?</p> <p>Nothing has really changed with regards to the recruitment of Derrick Green yet. Green is considered the top running back in the country, and he still his leaving his recruitment wide open.</p>
<p>The Richmond prospect currently has a top six that includes the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/auburn-tigers">Auburn Tigers</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/miami-hurricanes">Miami Hurricanes</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/michigan-wolverines">Michigan Wolverines</a>, Ole Miss Rebels, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-ducks">Oregon Ducks</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/tennessee-volunteers">Tennessee Volunteers</a>. <a target="_blank" href="http://%20%20http://www.michigantremendous.com/2012/12/derrick-green-update.html">Green denies that he's down to two schools</a>, leaving the door ajar for Oregon to walk through and get a chance. It's hard not to imagine a better one-two running back combination in the country than Green and Thomas Tyner, and it would go a long way to replacing the production that'll be lost by the departure of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37392/kenjon-barner">Kenjon Barner</a>.</p>
<p>But could Green still have others out there courting him? <a target="_blank" href="http://%20http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1448559">Mike Farrell of Rivals has this report </a>where he believes USC could very well go after the tailback.</p>
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<p>Green and fellow POY candidate <a href="http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=115015">Su'a Cravens</a> bonded during the three-day tour and Cravens put a bug in the ear of USC running backs coach <a href="http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewcoach.asp?Coach=2790">Kennedy Polamalu</a>. Polamalu has since reached out to Green to gauge interest in a visit.</p>
<p>Green is certainly interested and is not concerned about competition, but we will see if this is just a fleeting notion or has some legs soon enough.</p>
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<p>USC already has Justin Davis and Ty Isaac currently committed as running backs, but it looks like they'll try and enter the fray late to land the best possible prospect available. Is it worth going after Green at the expense of alienating Isaac and Davis? We're a long way from knowing for sure, but it appears Kiffin and Polamalu are going all in here.</p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/pac-12-football-recruiting/2012/12/19/3783608/oregon-ducks-usc-trojans-ole-miss-auburn-miami-michigan-recruiting-derrick-greenAvinash Kunnath2012-12-19T04:13:39-08:002012-12-19T04:13:39-08:00USC commit Eddie Vanderdoes takes visits
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<p>USC Trojans defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes is examining his options just in case, visiting Washington, UCLA and Cal as well as scheduling Notre Dame.</p> <p>remains committed to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a>. But one of the top recruits in the country is still trying to keep his options open. With no defensive coordinator, Vanderdoes is looking hard to ensure that he has a proper backup ready in case he doesn't like the replacement Lane Kiffin selects.<a target="_blank" href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/highschool/news/20121212/position-coaches-dominate-recruiting-conversation/"> Rob Cassidy of Rivals has more</a>.</p>
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<p>USC defensive tackle commit Eddie Vanderdoes is taking visits and establishing backup options. He's not worried about the future of Lane Kiffin at USC or because the Trojans struggled to a 7-5 season. Vanderdoes does want a safety net in the event that defensive coordinator Ed Orgeron decides to seek out a new job.</p>
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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://pacifictakes.com/pac-12-football-recruiting/2012/12/14/3766016/eddie-vanderdoes-reuben-foster-washington-huskies-football-recruiting-2013">Vanderdoes took an official to Washington</a>. He had comments here <a target="_blank" href="http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=2&c=1250217&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2frecruiting.scout.com%2f2%2f1250217.html">with Greg Biggins of Scout ($)</a>, but those are behind the paywall.</p>
<p>UCLA and Cal already got officials earlier this year, with UCLA managing to bring Vanderdoes in the week the Bruins beat the Trojans and reclaim the Victory Bell. Notre Dame has already made at least one in-home visit to Vanderdoes after the conclusion of the season, and apprently the Irish are scheduled to get Vanderdoes's final official, <a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Player/Eddie-Vanderdoes-16417.%20">according to 247 Sports.</a></p>
<p>But it's likely that when <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pacifictakes.com/pac-12-football-coaches/2012/12/3/3721162/usc-trojans-gene-chizik-ed-orgeron-joe-barry-clancy-pendergast-randy-shannon-dewayne-walker">USC makes their hire for defensive coordinator,</a> it's going to be real hard to detach him from his original commitment. As long as Oregeron remains in South Central, the Trojans should be able to recruit well and maintain the majority of their class</p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/pac-12-football-recruiting/2012/12/19/3783574/usc-trojans-ucla-bruins-cal-bears-notre-dame-washington-recruiting-eddie-vanderdoesAvinash Kunnath