With one tweet, the race to acquire Under Armour All-American wide receiver Ra’Shaad Samples (Dallas/Skyline) has reached a new level.
Samples tweeted on Thursday that he has narrowed his 33 offers to six schools -- Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Ohio State and USC. He added in the tweet that the list is in no specific order of importance.
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Someone might have to convince USC offensive coordinator and running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu that this isn’t a dream.
Two days after the Trojans received a verbal commitment from running back Ty Isaac (Joliet, Ill./Joliet Catholic), USC landed another tailback, as Justin Davis (Stockton, Calif./Lincoln) announced his commitment to the Trojans on Thursday.
"The combination of academics and athletics is unparalleled," Davis said. "I feel that nobody can compete with what USC has."
Two days after the Trojans received a verbal commitment from running back Ty Isaac (Joliet, Ill./Joliet Catholic), USC landed another tailback, as Justin Davis (Stockton, Calif./Lincoln) announced his commitment to the Trojans on Thursday.
"The combination of academics and athletics is unparalleled," Davis said. "I feel that nobody can compete with what USC has."
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List the three most necessary improvements that USC needs to make to the Coliseum.
Garry Paskwietz
1. New seats: This would be the first improvement to be made and there really isn’t much of a debate. The current seats are as poor and dilapidated as one will find in a major stadium and simply need to be replaced.
Garry Paskwietz
1. New seats: This would be the first improvement to be made and there really isn’t much of a debate. The current seats are as poor and dilapidated as one will find in a major stadium and simply need to be replaced.
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Memphis (Tenn.) East is quickly becoming the center of several recruiting battles, with the latest involving two West Coast teams recruiting a potential left tackle for the future.
Southern California was a short-lived leader for Christian Morris. The three-star prospect said earlier this month that the Trojans led for his services after offering him a scholarship, which vaulted them over his former leader, Tennessee. Morris, who has said he'd like to play football on the West Coast, now calls UCLA his leader after a recent flurry of offers from the Bruins, Wake Forest, North Carolina and Arizona State.
So what happened to USC?
Southern California was a short-lived leader for Christian Morris. The three-star prospect said earlier this month that the Trojans led for his services after offering him a scholarship, which vaulted them over his former leader, Tennessee. Morris, who has said he'd like to play football on the West Coast, now calls UCLA his leader after a recent flurry of offers from the Bruins, Wake Forest, North Carolina and Arizona State.
So what happened to USC?
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Klepal updates recruitment, has new offers 
May, 16, 2012
5/16/12
11:50
AM PT
By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
Tampa (Fla.) Plant offensive lineman Richy Klepal received offers from Georgia and USC in the past week and will try to make a final decision in the next few months.
The 6-foot-5, 275-pound lineman has an offer list close to 25 but he is ready to make some cuts. Klepal has enlisted Plant head coach Robert Weiner to help him through the process.
"Things have gotten pretty crazy in the last few weeks," Klepal said. "It's been the most exciting time of my life but also the most stressful time in my life.
The 6-foot-5, 275-pound lineman has an offer list close to 25 but he is ready to make some cuts. Klepal has enlisted Plant head coach Robert Weiner to help him through the process.
"Things have gotten pretty crazy in the last few weeks," Klepal said. "It's been the most exciting time of my life but also the most stressful time in my life.
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Ty Isaac: What his commitment means
May, 16, 2012
5/16/12
8:00
AM PT
By
Erik McKinney and
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
WeAreSC’s Garry Paskwietz and Erik McKinney discussed the recent commitment of Ty Isaac and its effect on the position at USC and the Trojans recruiting for the 2013 class.
Erik McKinney: “Ty Isaac took visits to Michigan, Notre Dame and USC, and his parents signed off on going to USC during his last visit. He was going to think about it as long as he needed, but he pulled the trigger on Tuesday. He was the one out-of-state guy whose name popped up very early. USC needed running backs and they went after some guys in the Southeast, but Isaac seemed to be the guy the coaches went after hard and to get him might be the biggest commit of the spring so far outside of Max Browne.”
Garry Paskwietz: “When you eyeballed him when he was out here for spring, he just looked like a big-time running back. He really was impressive physically. But the fact that he came out here for the second trip with his mom gave me an indication that he was serious. You don’t come out here in March and then ask your mom to come back out again in early May unless you have a serious interest. Like you said, you need a tailback, and to get a guy that your staff identified as one of the clear national guys, it’s huge.”
Erik McKinney: “Ty Isaac took visits to Michigan, Notre Dame and USC, and his parents signed off on going to USC during his last visit. He was going to think about it as long as he needed, but he pulled the trigger on Tuesday. He was the one out-of-state guy whose name popped up very early. USC needed running backs and they went after some guys in the Southeast, but Isaac seemed to be the guy the coaches went after hard and to get him might be the biggest commit of the spring so far outside of Max Browne.”
Garry Paskwietz: “When you eyeballed him when he was out here for spring, he just looked like a big-time running back. He really was impressive physically. But the fact that he came out here for the second trip with his mom gave me an indication that he was serious. You don’t come out here in March and then ask your mom to come back out again in early May unless you have a serious interest. Like you said, you need a tailback, and to get a guy that your staff identified as one of the clear national guys, it’s huge.”
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The USC Trojans have done just fine when it comes to collecting talented running backs throughout their history. It’s virtually impossible to list all the Trojans tailbacks who have made an impact at the college level.
Each year, there is a long list of California running backs who would leap at the opportunity to add to USC’s legacy at the position. But the Trojans have aimed high for in-state backs over the past two years, and both times, saw their top target head north to sign with the Oregon Ducks. After missing out on De'Anthony Thomas and Byron Marshall in 2011 and 2012, the Trojans have set their sights on Justin Davis (Stockton, Calif./Lincoln) in the 2013 class.
The 6-foot, 195-pound back was the first in-state tailback and offensive player offered by USC in this class. On Thursday, Davis will announce his college decision, and the Trojans reside among his final three choices along with California and Washington. If USC can gain a commitment from Davis, it’s tough to overstate how important he would be to this class.
Each year, there is a long list of California running backs who would leap at the opportunity to add to USC’s legacy at the position. But the Trojans have aimed high for in-state backs over the past two years, and both times, saw their top target head north to sign with the Oregon Ducks. After missing out on De'Anthony Thomas and Byron Marshall in 2011 and 2012, the Trojans have set their sights on Justin Davis (Stockton, Calif./Lincoln) in the 2013 class.
The 6-foot, 195-pound back was the first in-state tailback and offensive player offered by USC in this class. On Thursday, Davis will announce his college decision, and the Trojans reside among his final three choices along with California and Washington. If USC can gain a commitment from Davis, it’s tough to overstate how important he would be to this class.
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The USC Trojans extended a scholarship offer to defensive lineman Elijah Qualls (Petaluma, Calif./Casa Grande) on Tuesday after defensive coordinator Ed Orgeron watched Qualls during an evaluation visit.
Qualls had been in contact with quarterbacks coach Clay Helton throughout the process and understood the need for USC to be deliberate in their evaluations due to limited scholarships. Qualls said he was told that the slower movement might mean an offer could be on the way sometime during the summer, but that changed quickly once Orgeron set his sights on the 6-foot-2, 260-pound defensive lineman.
"Coach O loved what he saw and he wanted to speed up the process," Qualls said. "I guess he wanted to offer me about 30 minutes after my spring ball started, but he wasn't allowed to talk to me there."
Qualls had been in contact with quarterbacks coach Clay Helton throughout the process and understood the need for USC to be deliberate in their evaluations due to limited scholarships. Qualls said he was told that the slower movement might mean an offer could be on the way sometime during the summer, but that changed quickly once Orgeron set his sights on the 6-foot-2, 260-pound defensive lineman.
"Coach O loved what he saw and he wanted to speed up the process," Qualls said. "I guess he wanted to offer me about 30 minutes after my spring ball started, but he wasn't allowed to talk to me there."
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After several local trips to Michigan and Notre Dame, two visits west to USC and weeks of mulling over a very important decision, running back Ty Isaac (Joliet, Ill./Joliet Catholic) ended the recruiting process Tuesday morning, committing to USC.
Isaac made the announcement over Twitter with the statement, "Committed to The University of Southern California."
"I knew I was ready to make my decision," Isaac said. "My mom and dad were cool with it and we were all in agreement with it."
Isaac made the announcement over Twitter with the statement, "Committed to The University of Southern California."
"I knew I was ready to make my decision," Isaac said. "My mom and dad were cool with it and we were all in agreement with it."
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Former USC wide receiver Hal Bedsole was announced today as a member of the Class of 2012 for the College Football Hall of Fame.
“It’s a little overwhelming,” Bedsole said. “There are so many guys who have played college football and to think that only 900 of them are in the Hall of Fame, it’s kind of a big deal.”
Bedsole played on the 1962 national title team at USC -- the first of four national championships under head coach John McKay. A one-time high school and junior college quarterback, Bedsole was moved to wide receiver under McKay and, at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, he offered a rare combination of size and athleticism that simply wasn’t found in those days.
“When I found out about this award, Coach McKay was the first person I thought of,” Bedsole said. “When he recruited me, he told me right away that I would need to change positions. I had never caught a pass in my life and it was frightening to me because I didn’t know if I could do it. The fact that I got inducted into the Hall of Fame tells me I must have succeed.”
Bedsole was part of one of the most memorable Rose Bowl games in history, a 42-37 USC victory over Wisconsin in 1963. The Trojans came into the game as the No. 1 ranked team in the country and built an early 42-14 lead -- including a pair of touchdown receptions from Bedsole -- but had to hold off a furious fourth quarter charge from the Badgers.
“It was an honor to play in that game,” Bedsole said. “We thought we were going to win and we got out to a big lead but lost momentum and they came back. We won the game and the national title but a lot of people treated it like we lost so that was a little frustrating.”
Bedsole was inducted into the USC Hall of Fame in 2001 and still holds the USC record for highest average per catch (20.94). He set USC single-season receiving records during his consensus All-America 1962 campaign, corralling 33 passes for 827 yards and 11 touchdowns. Bedsole was drafted as a tight end in the second round of the 1964 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings.
“The fact that there are only 30 USC players in the College Football Hall of Fame makes it very emotional,” Bedsole said. “You’re talking about one of the great football heritages of all time. I remember when Sam Cunningham got inducted, he was presented at halftime of a USC game with a jacket that only College Football Hall of Famers got to wear so I guess I will be getting one of those too.”
The 2012 College Football Hall of Fame class will be inducted at the 55th National Football Foundation Awards Dinner on Dec. 4 in New York City.
“It’s a little overwhelming,” Bedsole said. “There are so many guys who have played college football and to think that only 900 of them are in the Hall of Fame, it’s kind of a big deal.”
Bedsole played on the 1962 national title team at USC -- the first of four national championships under head coach John McKay. A one-time high school and junior college quarterback, Bedsole was moved to wide receiver under McKay and, at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, he offered a rare combination of size and athleticism that simply wasn’t found in those days.
“When I found out about this award, Coach McKay was the first person I thought of,” Bedsole said. “When he recruited me, he told me right away that I would need to change positions. I had never caught a pass in my life and it was frightening to me because I didn’t know if I could do it. The fact that I got inducted into the Hall of Fame tells me I must have succeed.”
Bedsole was part of one of the most memorable Rose Bowl games in history, a 42-37 USC victory over Wisconsin in 1963. The Trojans came into the game as the No. 1 ranked team in the country and built an early 42-14 lead -- including a pair of touchdown receptions from Bedsole -- but had to hold off a furious fourth quarter charge from the Badgers.
“It was an honor to play in that game,” Bedsole said. “We thought we were going to win and we got out to a big lead but lost momentum and they came back. We won the game and the national title but a lot of people treated it like we lost so that was a little frustrating.”
Bedsole was inducted into the USC Hall of Fame in 2001 and still holds the USC record for highest average per catch (20.94). He set USC single-season receiving records during his consensus All-America 1962 campaign, corralling 33 passes for 827 yards and 11 touchdowns. Bedsole was drafted as a tight end in the second round of the 1964 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings.
“The fact that there are only 30 USC players in the College Football Hall of Fame makes it very emotional,” Bedsole said. “You’re talking about one of the great football heritages of all time. I remember when Sam Cunningham got inducted, he was presented at halftime of a USC game with a jacket that only College Football Hall of Famers got to wear so I guess I will be getting one of those too.”
The 2012 College Football Hall of Fame class will be inducted at the 55th National Football Foundation Awards Dinner on Dec. 4 in New York City.
The Trojans flash their national recruiting power with the pickup of this elite Midwestern back. In Ty Isaac (Joliet, Ill./Catholic Academy), USC is landing a future workhorse and potential every-down back they have been missing.
This is a back with the bulk and downhill strength to carry the load and remain durable while still offering big run potential with his supreme blend of size and speed. Isaac can push the pile for the tough inside yards but is quick enough to also exploit tighter creases and get outside when needing to bounce.
This is a back with the bulk and downhill strength to carry the load and remain durable while still offering big run potential with his supreme blend of size and speed. Isaac can push the pile for the tough inside yards but is quick enough to also exploit tighter creases and get outside when needing to bounce.
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USC class of 2015 commit David Sills talks at the Baltimore NFTC.
The University of Southern California gained control of the day-to-day operations of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Sports Arena after the Coliseum commission voted on Monday to approve a lease agreement with the school.
This move has long been expected, particularly after recent scandals and indictments involving commission members. The commission voted 8-1 in favor of the deal. with Los Angeles City Councilman Bernard Parks voting against it.
USC was in position to take over these responsibilities after the Coliseum commission failed to deliver on several improvement elements from the previous agreement with the university. The Coliseum commission -- which is comprised of state, county and city appointees-- has operated the facilities since they opened in 1923. The new lease arrangement will continue until 2054 -- the initial lease is for a 20-year period and includes several renewal options.
The Coliseum commission will continue to oversee the two facilities under the current plan, but USC will control day-to-operations, be responsible for improvements and potentially lucrative naming rights.
This move has long been expected, particularly after recent scandals and indictments involving commission members. The commission voted 8-1 in favor of the deal. with Los Angeles City Councilman Bernard Parks voting against it.
USC was in position to take over these responsibilities after the Coliseum commission failed to deliver on several improvement elements from the previous agreement with the university. The Coliseum commission -- which is comprised of state, county and city appointees-- has operated the facilities since they opened in 1923. The new lease arrangement will continue until 2054 -- the initial lease is for a 20-year period and includes several renewal options.
The Coliseum commission will continue to oversee the two facilities under the current plan, but USC will control day-to-operations, be responsible for improvements and potentially lucrative naming rights.
2011 overall record: 10-2
2011 conference record: 7-2 (1st, South)
Returning starters: Offense: 9; defense: 8; kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
QB Matt Barkley, S T.J. McDonald, OL Khaled Holmes, WR Robert Woods, WR Marqise Lee, RB Curtis McNeal, DL Devon Kennard, DL Wes Horton, CB Nickell Robey, LB Dion Bailey, LB Hayes Pullard, K Andre Heidari
Key losses
OL Matt Kalil, DL Nick Perry, FB Rhett Ellison, DL DaJohn Harris, DL Christian Tupou, LB Chris Galippo, RB Marc Tyler, WR Brandon Carswell, LS Chris Pousson
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Curtis McNeal* (1,005 yards)
Passing: Matt Barkley* (3,528 yards)
Receiving: Robert Woods* (1,292 yards)
Tackles: Dion Bailey*, Hayes Pullard* (81)
Sacks: Nick Perry (9.5)
Interceptions: T.J. McDonald* (3)
Spring answers
1. Marqise Lee is ready for prime time: It’s no secret that Lee is a talented player who put together a terrific freshman season, but he took that performance to an even higher level this spring when he was the best player on the field for the Trojans. We’re seeing a rare athlete in Lee, one whose acrobatic style is being compared to Lynn Swann.
2. The USC defense is worthy of mention: There is so much attention paid to Matt Barkley and his offensive weapons -- and deservedly so -- but this spring was a reminder that the Trojans defense is going to be pretty good too. The back seven will be a strength, as the starters return intact plus there is a nice supply of talented depth.
3. The future of the USC quarterback spot is in good hands: Spring was an extended audition for Max Wittek and Cody Kessler, as Barkley was limited in his reps. Both players had their moments as they look to settle into the No. 2 role and the inside track to be Barkley’s heir apparent. The Trojans also got a verbal commitment from Max Browne (No. 2 rated pocket passer in ESPN 150), who will enroll next spring.
Fall questions
1. Interior of the D-line: One of the keys of spring was replacing two senior starters from the middle of the line. George Uko stepped in at defensive tackle and had flashes of real solid play. After Uko, however, things are not so clear. There is no established backup for him and no set starter at nose tackle, as J.R. Tavai and Antwaun Woods continue to battle for the job.
2. Lack of depth at tailback: The Trojans have a returning 1,000-yard rusher in Curtis McNeal but not a lot of experience behind him. D.J. Morgan had 42 carries in 2011, Buck Allen redshirted last season and Nelson Agholor has yet to join the team. That’s the extent of the playing time for the 2012 USC reserve tailbacks.
3. Protecting the blind side: There wasn’t a ton of worry last year about left tackle with Matt Kalil but replacing him has not been easy. Kevin Graf got the first look, but then the coaches moved Aundrey Walker into the spot. Lane Kiffin said Walker was not consistent but he showed enough with the potential of the size benefits he brings that he will stay as the starter heading into fall camp.
2011 conference record: 7-2 (1st, South)
Returning starters: Offense: 9; defense: 8; kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
QB Matt Barkley, S T.J. McDonald, OL Khaled Holmes, WR Robert Woods, WR Marqise Lee, RB Curtis McNeal, DL Devon Kennard, DL Wes Horton, CB Nickell Robey, LB Dion Bailey, LB Hayes Pullard, K Andre Heidari
Key losses
OL Matt Kalil, DL Nick Perry, FB Rhett Ellison, DL DaJohn Harris, DL Christian Tupou, LB Chris Galippo, RB Marc Tyler, WR Brandon Carswell, LS Chris Pousson
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Curtis McNeal* (1,005 yards)
Passing: Matt Barkley* (3,528 yards)
Receiving: Robert Woods* (1,292 yards)
Tackles: Dion Bailey*, Hayes Pullard* (81)
Sacks: Nick Perry (9.5)
Interceptions: T.J. McDonald* (3)
Spring answers
1. Marqise Lee is ready for prime time: It’s no secret that Lee is a talented player who put together a terrific freshman season, but he took that performance to an even higher level this spring when he was the best player on the field for the Trojans. We’re seeing a rare athlete in Lee, one whose acrobatic style is being compared to Lynn Swann.
2. The USC defense is worthy of mention: There is so much attention paid to Matt Barkley and his offensive weapons -- and deservedly so -- but this spring was a reminder that the Trojans defense is going to be pretty good too. The back seven will be a strength, as the starters return intact plus there is a nice supply of talented depth.
3. The future of the USC quarterback spot is in good hands: Spring was an extended audition for Max Wittek and Cody Kessler, as Barkley was limited in his reps. Both players had their moments as they look to settle into the No. 2 role and the inside track to be Barkley’s heir apparent. The Trojans also got a verbal commitment from Max Browne (No. 2 rated pocket passer in ESPN 150), who will enroll next spring.
Fall questions
1. Interior of the D-line: One of the keys of spring was replacing two senior starters from the middle of the line. George Uko stepped in at defensive tackle and had flashes of real solid play. After Uko, however, things are not so clear. There is no established backup for him and no set starter at nose tackle, as J.R. Tavai and Antwaun Woods continue to battle for the job.
2. Lack of depth at tailback: The Trojans have a returning 1,000-yard rusher in Curtis McNeal but not a lot of experience behind him. D.J. Morgan had 42 carries in 2011, Buck Allen redshirted last season and Nelson Agholor has yet to join the team. That’s the extent of the playing time for the 2012 USC reserve tailbacks.
3. Protecting the blind side: There wasn’t a ton of worry last year about left tackle with Matt Kalil but replacing him has not been easy. Kevin Graf got the first look, but then the coaches moved Aundrey Walker into the spot. Lane Kiffin said Walker was not consistent but he showed enough with the potential of the size benefits he brings that he will stay as the starter heading into fall camp.
Another member of USC's 2013 recruiting class will be headed to Beaverton, Ore. this summer to participate in The Opening. Defensive tackle Kenny Bigelow (Elkton, Md./Eastern Christian Academy) is the latest, earning the invitation after an outstanding performance at the Baltimore Nike Football Training Camp.
Bigelow will join USC commits Chris Hawkins (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga) and Eldridge Massington (Mesquite, Tex./West Mesquite), who earned Opening invites earlier this year.
While one of the four-day camp's main attractions is the 7-on-7 tournament, offensive and defensive linemen aren't left out of the festivities, as they able to don shoulder pads and helmets and get in some serious work of their own.
Bigelow will join USC commits Chris Hawkins (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga) and Eldridge Massington (Mesquite, Tex./West Mesquite), who earned Opening invites earlier this year.
While one of the four-day camp's main attractions is the 7-on-7 tournament, offensive and defensive linemen aren't left out of the festivities, as they able to don shoulder pads and helmets and get in some serious work of their own.
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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.
Johnny Curren
Johnny Curren covers USC Trojans football and recruiting. He joined WeAreSC in 2012 after spending the previous two years at ESPNHS, and the nine years before that at Fox Sports West covering high school sports in the Los Angeles market. Email him at johnnycurren@hotmail.com.