RecruitingNation's Dave Hooker talks with recent USC-committed cornerback Jalen Ramsey (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy).
We’re running out of superlatives to talk about this USC class.
With the verbal commitment today from cornerback Jalen Ramsey (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy) the Trojans now have pledges from 15 recruits in a year when they are limited to 18 signees (15 scholarships for the class of 2013 and three spots for early enrollees to count against 2012).
What makes it so impressive is the quality of the 15 players involved and the potential of what this class could be with the remaining three spots.
With the verbal commitment today from cornerback Jalen Ramsey (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy) the Trojans now have pledges from 15 recruits in a year when they are limited to 18 signees (15 scholarships for the class of 2013 and three spots for early enrollees to count against 2012).
What makes it so impressive is the quality of the 15 players involved and the potential of what this class could be with the remaining three spots.
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The rich got richer Monday, and it seems that only NCAA mandated scholarship limitations will put a cap on USC’s gold rush.
Four-star cornerback Jalen Ramsey (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy) became the latest high-profile recruit to commit to the Trojans, joining a stacked class that already includes 11 players ranked in the ESPN 150. Three of the other four verbal commitments are ranked inside the ESPN 300.
Ramsey, the nation’s seventh-ranked corner and 57th-best prospect overall, had recently taken two trips to the USC campus. He shined at the Rising Stars Camp and followed it up with a stellar showing at The Opening, leading to his enormous ascension in the rankings.
Four-star cornerback Jalen Ramsey (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy) became the latest high-profile recruit to commit to the Trojans, joining a stacked class that already includes 11 players ranked in the ESPN 150. Three of the other four verbal commitments are ranked inside the ESPN 300.
Ramsey, the nation’s seventh-ranked corner and 57th-best prospect overall, had recently taken two trips to the USC campus. He shined at the Rising Stars Camp and followed it up with a stellar showing at The Opening, leading to his enormous ascension in the rankings.
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Scouts: USC pledge continues Ramsey's offseason surge 
July, 16, 2012
7/16/12
11:17
AM PT
By
Billy Tucker | ESPN.com
The Trojans are landing arguably the hottest recruit on the trail through the late spring and summer evaluation period. Jalen Ramsey (Brentwood, Tenn.) has simply lit up the camp and event circuit showing he is one of the better athletes in the country and worthy of his big jump up our ESPN 150 board. After a period of evaluating his skill-set in person, we recently switched the fast rising Tennessee native to the cornerback position, the spot where we also think he could shine for the Trojans.
Ramsey has the ideal frame for a cornerback in USC's system that caters toward perimeter defenders who understand both zone and man concepts and are talented enough to produce in both schemes. He is well-built with a deceptively strong frame needed to squat in the flat and both jump and collision underneath routes as well as set the edge in USC's popular Cover 2 defense. While he is still refining his man-to-man technique, Ramsey will transition smoothly and has shown recently he can match up one-on-one versus the top receivers in the country utilizing his length, great ball skills, body control and adjustment in the air to win the jump-ball matchup. The talented corner can dominate tight man-to-man battles as well with his long arms and upper-body strength needed to press and take away a receiver's leverage.
We feel his best football is actually still ahead of him once he settles in fulltime at one position in college and continues to hone his already well-rounded skill-set learning from one of the better defensive minds in all of football in Monte Kiffin.
What makes this even more of a significant pledge for the Trojans is the fact that Ramsey could play corner, nickel, physically develop into a safety or potential add depth a receiver. USC really can't afford a single miss in this class and it looks doubtful they will with Ramsey when you look at his athleticism and versatility. When looking at the Trojan's secondary, this scheme versatile defender is a key pickup as he has a chance to make an impact early while also shining on special teams.
Ramsey has the ideal frame for a cornerback in USC's system that caters toward perimeter defenders who understand both zone and man concepts and are talented enough to produce in both schemes. He is well-built with a deceptively strong frame needed to squat in the flat and both jump and collision underneath routes as well as set the edge in USC's popular Cover 2 defense. While he is still refining his man-to-man technique, Ramsey will transition smoothly and has shown recently he can match up one-on-one versus the top receivers in the country utilizing his length, great ball skills, body control and adjustment in the air to win the jump-ball matchup. The talented corner can dominate tight man-to-man battles as well with his long arms and upper-body strength needed to press and take away a receiver's leverage.
We feel his best football is actually still ahead of him once he settles in fulltime at one position in college and continues to hone his already well-rounded skill-set learning from one of the better defensive minds in all of football in Monte Kiffin.
What makes this even more of a significant pledge for the Trojans is the fact that Ramsey could play corner, nickel, physically develop into a safety or potential add depth a receiver. USC really can't afford a single miss in this class and it looks doubtful they will with Ramsey when you look at his athleticism and versatility. When looking at the Trojan's secondary, this scheme versatile defender is a key pickup as he has a chance to make an impact early while also shining on special teams.
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Jalen Ramsey committed to USC on Monday.
The declaration was hardly a surprise. Ramsey, No. 57 in the ESPN 150 and the No. 7 CB in the nation, had shown strong, recent interest in the Trojans. He took two trips to USC's campus in a little less than a month and Ramsey (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy) had long said USC was one of his top schools for what it offered both on and off the field.
"One of the really important things about USC is the networking I would gain after I'm done playing football," Ramsey told ESPN earlier this month during The Opening. "It's also USC football -- everyone knows USC football, nothing more needs to be said. But there's a lot of stuff people don't know, like the academics and the fact that it's a private school. It's a great environment. The campus and buildings are nice, but it's the tradition, that's the main thing to me."
Ramsey, the top prospect in Tennessee, was also considering the Vols, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Washington and Auburn. The loss is certainly significant for Tennessee, especially since former UT coach Lane Kiffin landed Ramsey, in part, by utilizing former Tennessee quarterback Tee Martin.
Martin, who won a national title with UT in 1998, was hired this year to coach USC's receivers. Martin was previously an assistant at Kentucky.
"I've got a great relationship with Coach Martin," Ramsey said. "I met him a few years ago when my brother did a Nike combine, and then he was recruiting me at Kentucky and now here at USC. I like the whole coaching staff; I really have faith in all of them. They are great coaches and great people. I really like them, to be honest. When I was on the field for the camp, they were intense; they were pumped up. I like coaches who are energetic. The coach who would be my coach, defensive backs coach Marvin Sanders, I like his style."
Ramsey becomes USC's 15th commitment for the 2013 class as the Trojans continue to add top recruits. Ramsey’s commit comes not long after the Trojans landed three four-star prospects in one day and moved to No. 2 in the class rankings. Because of NCAA sanctions, the Trojans are only expected to sign 18 prospects in the class.
The declaration was hardly a surprise. Ramsey, No. 57 in the ESPN 150 and the No. 7 CB in the nation, had shown strong, recent interest in the Trojans. He took two trips to USC's campus in a little less than a month and Ramsey (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy) had long said USC was one of his top schools for what it offered both on and off the field.
"One of the really important things about USC is the networking I would gain after I'm done playing football," Ramsey told ESPN earlier this month during The Opening. "It's also USC football -- everyone knows USC football, nothing more needs to be said. But there's a lot of stuff people don't know, like the academics and the fact that it's a private school. It's a great environment. The campus and buildings are nice, but it's the tradition, that's the main thing to me."
Ramsey, the top prospect in Tennessee, was also considering the Vols, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Washington and Auburn. The loss is certainly significant for Tennessee, especially since former UT coach Lane Kiffin landed Ramsey, in part, by utilizing former Tennessee quarterback Tee Martin.
Martin, who won a national title with UT in 1998, was hired this year to coach USC's receivers. Martin was previously an assistant at Kentucky.
"I've got a great relationship with Coach Martin," Ramsey said. "I met him a few years ago when my brother did a Nike combine, and then he was recruiting me at Kentucky and now here at USC. I like the whole coaching staff; I really have faith in all of them. They are great coaches and great people. I really like them, to be honest. When I was on the field for the camp, they were intense; they were pumped up. I like coaches who are energetic. The coach who would be my coach, defensive backs coach Marvin Sanders, I like his style."
Ramsey becomes USC's 15th commitment for the 2013 class as the Trojans continue to add top recruits. Ramsey’s commit comes not long after the Trojans landed three four-star prospects in one day and moved to No. 2 in the class rankings. Because of NCAA sanctions, the Trojans are only expected to sign 18 prospects in the class.
Kevin and I are getting ready for Pac-12 media day next week. So should you. Here's a primer.
(You can see the complete list of attendees here).
Dates: July 24
Location: Universal Studios in Los Angeles
Big names in attendance: Besides four new coaches, USC quarterback Matt Barkley, Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, California wide receiver Keenan Allen, Washington quarterback Keith Price and Stanford outside linebacker Chase Thomas.
Big names not in attendance: There are plenty of stars who won't be on hand, but it's hard to argue with the players attending.
So what can we expect?
(You can see the complete list of attendees here).
Dates: July 24
Location: Universal Studios in Los Angeles
Big names in attendance: Besides four new coaches, USC quarterback Matt Barkley, Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, California wide receiver Keenan Allen, Washington quarterback Keith Price and Stanford outside linebacker Chase Thomas.
Big names not in attendance: There are plenty of stars who won't be on hand, but it's hard to argue with the players attending.
So what can we expect?
- Teams at the top will tamp down expectations. Teams at the bottom will bemoan a lack of respect and insist they don't give a flip about so-called pundits.
- Every team will claim an outstanding offseason, perhaps even calling workout attendance "the best ever." There's a good chance many will be exaggerating.
- Four new coaches will get their biggest formal introduction to Pac-12 reporters: Arizona's Rich Rodriguez, Arizona State's Todd Graham, UCLA's Jim Mora and Washington State's Mike Leach. They will be impressed by how awesome we are.
- Barkley will be asked about opting not to enter the NFL draft. The Pac-12 blog challenges him to figure out a way to answer the question in a surprising way.
- Oregon coach Chip Kelly will be snarky, no matter how awesome we reporters are.
- Subjects likely to come up: USC wide receiver Robert Woods' ankle, Utah quarterback Jordan Wynn's shoulders, Matt Scott running Rich Rodriguez's spread-option, the status of Arizona State defensive end Junior Onyeali, USC's depth questions and Kenjon Barner replacing LaMichael James. How much can Cal quarterback Zach Maynard and Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion improve from Year 1 to Year 2? What's the quarterback pecking order at Arizona State, Colorado, Oregon, Stanford and UCLA? Other issues include whether Utah running back John White IV prefers to be known as "Juan Blanco" or "The Wolfman," Tosh Lupoi's departure from Cal to Washington and Leach's affinity for Pirates.
- Graham will be asked about his controversial departure from Pittsburgh for the 10,000th time, and the reporter who does so will win a set of steak knives (there's a reason reporters ask the same question over and over).
- California coach Jeff Tedford and Oregon State coach Mike Riley will be asked if they feel pressure or feel like they are on the hot seat. Both will say no one puts more pressure on them than themselves and that there is always pressure.
- Leach will go off on a lengthy tangent that has nothing to do with anything but likely will be interesting and amusing.
- Stanford coach David Shaw and his players will be asked about life after Andrew Luck.
- The UCLA contingent will be asked about USC.
- "Teeth" Price will smile. A lot.
- Lane Kiffin will say nothing controversial. And some of us will miss the old Kiffin.
- Someone during post-interview small talk will say, "Man, Star Lotulelei... that dude is big."
- The coaches will each be asked 47 times about the four-team college football playoff that will start in 2014.
- Here's a guess that at some point someone asks about Joe Paterno.
- Oregon and USC will be nearly unanimous choices to win the North and South Divisions, respectively, but somebody will vote differently just to be quirky.
USC makes strong impression on 2014 OT
July, 15, 2012
7/15/12
6:33
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
While putting together a tremendous 2013 recruiting class, the USC Trojans have also started work on the 2014 class, hitting the offensive line hard with commitments from tackle Jordan Poland (La Jolla, Calif./Country Day) and guard Toa Lobendahn (Lakewood, Calif./Lakewood). And while it appears that Lane Kiffin and staff could stop at two offensive linemen in this class, they'll likely race by that number next year, as an additional offer was extended over the weekend to offensive tackle Casey Tucker (Chandler, Ariz./Hamilton).
Tucker is the latest in a string of Arizona big men that have been sought after by the Trojans, which includes Christian Westerman, Cyrus Hobbi and Andrus Peat. USC is scholarship offer No. 9 for Tucker, and the Trojans join programs such as Boise State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Washington in the race for the 6-foot-6, 270-pound tackle. And it's a race in which USC finds itself out front.
During an unofficial visit this weekend, Tucker had an opportunity to meet with head coach Lane Kiffin and offensive line back James Cregg.
Tucker is the latest in a string of Arizona big men that have been sought after by the Trojans, which includes Christian Westerman, Cyrus Hobbi and Andrus Peat. USC is scholarship offer No. 9 for Tucker, and the Trojans join programs such as Boise State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Washington in the race for the 6-foot-6, 270-pound tackle. And it's a race in which USC finds itself out front.
During an unofficial visit this weekend, Tucker had an opportunity to meet with head coach Lane Kiffin and offensive line back James Cregg.
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With Jalen Ramsey's decision right around the corner, here's my assessment of the seven schools vying for the ESPN 150 cornerback from Brentwood (Tenn.) Academy. Ramsey will announce his decision Monday at 2 p.m. eastern.
--Clear-cut favorite – Southern California
Everything seems to point to the Trojans. Ramsey visited USC's campus twice in less than a month and will announce his decision just a few weeks after those trips. That obviously shows strong interest in the Trojans and the timing is just too significant.
--Clear-cut favorite – Southern California
Everything seems to point to the Trojans. Ramsey visited USC's campus twice in less than a month and will announce his decision just a few weeks after those trips. That obviously shows strong interest in the Trojans and the timing is just too significant.
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The Trojans will likely see an impact on their roster for the 2012 season due to transfers.
USC gained a transfer in defensive back Joshua Shaw from Florida. A talented player who prepped locally at Palmdale (Calif.) High School, Shaw appeared in 10 games as a safety for the Gators in 2011, including one start, and ended the year with 22 tackles, notching a season-high six against Auburn.
Shaw will begin fall camp at strong safety next month but he could also end up seeing time at corner, as he was the No. 3 ranked corner in the ESPN rankings for the class of 2010. It’s a deep defensive back group for USC this year so it remains to be seen how much of an impact Shaw will have, but he’s certainly good enough to make his mark if presented with an opportunity.
Shaw will be a redshirt sophomore this season with three years of eligibility remaining.
The Trojans also lost several transfers, most notably tailback Amir Carlisle, who was on track to be the primary backup to Curtis McNeal this season but is now at Notre Dame.
Carlisle ran for 123 yards on 19 carries as a true freshman in 2011 and also added seven catches for 41 yards and a touchdown. His future was considered bright in Cardinal and Gold and his sudden transfer caught many in the program by surprise.
There wasn’t as much surprise when fellow tailback Dillon Baxter transferred after last season, first to San Diego State and then to Baker University in Kansas. Baxter had a series of off-field issues with the Trojans and his departure had been expected.
Still, the loss of two tailbacks depleted the group and only D.J. Morgan returns as a reserve with any experience. That position will be key to watch this year to see how the lost transfers impact the offense.
USC also lost a pair of wide receivers when Brice Butler transferred to San Diego State and Kyle Prater left for Northwestern. While both came to USC out of high school with outstanding credentials, the production never matched up and both decided to leave rather than battle for playing time in a strong Trojans receiver group.
USC gained a transfer in defensive back Joshua Shaw from Florida. A talented player who prepped locally at Palmdale (Calif.) High School, Shaw appeared in 10 games as a safety for the Gators in 2011, including one start, and ended the year with 22 tackles, notching a season-high six against Auburn.
Shaw will begin fall camp at strong safety next month but he could also end up seeing time at corner, as he was the No. 3 ranked corner in the ESPN rankings for the class of 2010. It’s a deep defensive back group for USC this year so it remains to be seen how much of an impact Shaw will have, but he’s certainly good enough to make his mark if presented with an opportunity.
Shaw will be a redshirt sophomore this season with three years of eligibility remaining.
The Trojans also lost several transfers, most notably tailback Amir Carlisle, who was on track to be the primary backup to Curtis McNeal this season but is now at Notre Dame.
Carlisle ran for 123 yards on 19 carries as a true freshman in 2011 and also added seven catches for 41 yards and a touchdown. His future was considered bright in Cardinal and Gold and his sudden transfer caught many in the program by surprise.
There wasn’t as much surprise when fellow tailback Dillon Baxter transferred after last season, first to San Diego State and then to Baker University in Kansas. Baxter had a series of off-field issues with the Trojans and his departure had been expected.
Still, the loss of two tailbacks depleted the group and only D.J. Morgan returns as a reserve with any experience. That position will be key to watch this year to see how the lost transfers impact the offense.
USC also lost a pair of wide receivers when Brice Butler transferred to San Diego State and Kyle Prater left for Northwestern. While both came to USC out of high school with outstanding credentials, the production never matched up and both decided to leave rather than battle for playing time in a strong Trojans receiver group.
With a big decision looming Monday, four-star cornerback Jalen Ramsey of Brentwood (Tenn.) Academy opted to remain close-lipped over the weekend, hoping complete silence would allow him to focus on his college options.
The fast-rising Ramsey, who last week climbed up 72 spots to No. 57 in the ESPN 150 player rankings, is scheduled to commit at 1 p.m. CT/11 a.m. PT on Monday in his hometown of Smyrna, Tenn. He has seven finalists: Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Auburn, USC and Washington.
Ramsey, the nation's seventh-ranked cornerback who raised eyebrows at The Opening, was still wide open heading into the weekend. He had taken two trips to USC recently, including a visit to compete in the Rising Stars Camp.
A pledge from the 6-foot, 190-pound Ramsey would give the Trojans their 15th commitment overall and second cornerback, joining four-star Chris Hawkins of Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.). It would leave only three available spots in the 2013 recruiting class, two of which would seemingly go to defensive backs.
The fast-rising Ramsey, who last week climbed up 72 spots to No. 57 in the ESPN 150 player rankings, is scheduled to commit at 1 p.m. CT/11 a.m. PT on Monday in his hometown of Smyrna, Tenn. He has seven finalists: Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Auburn, USC and Washington.
Ramsey, the nation's seventh-ranked cornerback who raised eyebrows at The Opening, was still wide open heading into the weekend. He had taken two trips to USC recently, including a visit to compete in the Rising Stars Camp.
A pledge from the 6-foot, 190-pound Ramsey would give the Trojans their 15th commitment overall and second cornerback, joining four-star Chris Hawkins of Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.). It would leave only three available spots in the 2013 recruiting class, two of which would seemingly go to defensive backs.
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WeAreSC recruiting reporter Blair Angulo answers reader questions in his mailbag every Friday. Have a USC recruiting question of your own? Submit it here.
Jean (Manhattan Beach, Calif.): If USC has four scholarships left for the current class, who are the top targets left that would fill a position of need on the team?
In my opinion USC has room for two more cornerbacks, a safety and a lineman (defensive or offensive). If the massive haul continues, you'd have to think the top remaining secondary targets are Tampa (Fla.) Wharton's Vernon Hargreaves III, the nation's top-ranked cornerback who recently pegged USC as his leader, Brentwood (Tenn.) Academy's Jalen Ramsey, who is set to announce his decision Monday, and Mission Viejo (Calif.) safety Max Redfield. Even if the coaching staff whiffs on two of those, there are plenty of high-caliber options left on the board. The Trojans are sitting pretty right now.
Jean (Manhattan Beach, Calif.): If USC has four scholarships left for the current class, who are the top targets left that would fill a position of need on the team?
In my opinion USC has room for two more cornerbacks, a safety and a lineman (defensive or offensive). If the massive haul continues, you'd have to think the top remaining secondary targets are Tampa (Fla.) Wharton's Vernon Hargreaves III, the nation's top-ranked cornerback who recently pegged USC as his leader, Brentwood (Tenn.) Academy's Jalen Ramsey, who is set to announce his decision Monday, and Mission Viejo (Calif.) safety Max Redfield. Even if the coaching staff whiffs on two of those, there are plenty of high-caliber options left on the board. The Trojans are sitting pretty right now.
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Cornerback Tony Brown (Beaumont, Texas/Ozen) still has two years of varsity football remaining, but he already has 17 offers and the chance to play at some of the most recognized programs in the country.
The most recent offer for the 2014 defensive back comes from coach Lane Kiffin and USC. Brown spoke with Kiffin today and added another big offer before his weekend excursion to Baton Rouge, La., as he will participate in LSU’s four-day camp starting Sunday.
“I actually talked to [secondary] Coach [Marvin] Sanders first, and then he gave the phone to Coach Kiffin,” Brown said. “It feels great; I’m very excited. I feel like my hard work is manifesting and coming to life.
The most recent offer for the 2014 defensive back comes from coach Lane Kiffin and USC. Brown spoke with Kiffin today and added another big offer before his weekend excursion to Baton Rouge, La., as he will participate in LSU’s four-day camp starting Sunday.
“I actually talked to [secondary] Coach [Marvin] Sanders first, and then he gave the phone to Coach Kiffin,” Brown said. “It feels great; I’m very excited. I feel like my hard work is manifesting and coming to life.
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WeAreSC caught up with second-ranked athlete Max Redfield (Mission Viejo, Calif./Mission Viejo) at the South Coast passing tournament to get his thoughts on the Trojans, upcoming visits, and narrowing his list of schools.
WeAreSC recruiting reporter Blair Angulo talks to four-star offensive lineman Nico Falah (Bellflower, Calif./St. John Bosco) after his commitment to USC.
So, how was your Wednesday?
If you’re a fan of USC recruiting, my guess is it was a pretty good day.
My day started at Cathedral High School to watch a camp that featured USC class of 2015 verbal commit quarterback David Sills (Elkton, Md./Eastern Christian Academy). It’s always good to get a chance to catch Sills in action whenever he comes to California to judge the progress he is making as a player.
If you’re a fan of USC recruiting, my guess is it was a pretty good day.
My day started at Cathedral High School to watch a camp that featured USC class of 2015 verbal commit quarterback David Sills (Elkton, Md./Eastern Christian Academy). It’s always good to get a chance to catch Sills in action whenever he comes to California to judge the progress he is making as a player.
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ABOUT WE ARE SC
Garry Paskwietz
Garry Paskwietz is the publisher and founder of WeAreSC.com and has covered the Trojans since 1997. Send him an email at garry@wearesc.com.
Blair Angulo
Blair Angulo covers USC Trojans recruiting. He joined ESPNLA.com in 2010 and also interned at the Los Angeles Daily News. Email him at blair.angulo@gmail.com.