Despite their recent woes -- including a loss to Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl -- there is no doubting that, overall, USC is the premier program in the Pac-12. Between their history of success and continued recruiting prowess, the Trojans occupy a unique place in the league.
After USC was hammered by the NCAA in 2010, the Trojans took a step back. On the field, the once-mighty empire was no longer the team no one wanted to play.
But in recruiting, Kiffin's bunch maintained its edge. One look at USC's 2013 class eliminates any argument that their stature is in question. Even after losing three of their prized recruits, the Trojans have 11 players committed that reside in the ESPN 150. They lost S Max Redfield (Mission Viejo, Calif./Mission Viejo), WR Eldridge Massington (Mesquite, Texas/West Mesquite) and DT Eddie Vanderdoes (Auburn, Calif./Placer) to decommitments and still sit at No. 4 in the ESPN class rankings.
After USC was hammered by the NCAA in 2010, the Trojans took a step back. On the field, the once-mighty empire was no longer the team no one wanted to play.
But in recruiting, Kiffin's bunch maintained its edge. One look at USC's 2013 class eliminates any argument that their stature is in question. Even after losing three of their prized recruits, the Trojans have 11 players committed that reside in the ESPN 150. They lost S Max Redfield (Mission Viejo, Calif./Mission Viejo), WR Eldridge Massington (Mesquite, Texas/West Mesquite) and DT Eddie Vanderdoes (Auburn, Calif./Placer) to decommitments and still sit at No. 4 in the ESPN class rankings.
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Brandon Oliver
Brandon Oliver joined ESPN in 2012. In recent years, Oliver has been involved in the Nike Football Tour with both ESPNHS and Nike. He has covered West Coast recruiting for various online outlets since 2008, with an emphasis on Oregon football. Email him at boliverespn@gmail.com.