The USC Trojans added another piece to their 2013 recruiting class on Saturday afternoon, as they received a verbal commitment from defensive end Kylie Fitts (Redlands, Calif./Redlands East Valley).
"All glory to God, and with that said, I did commit to the University of Southern California today," Fitts said. "It's a dream come true. That has always been a dream school for me. Growing up I always wanted to go there. I'm really happy right now."
The 6-foot-4, 245-pound Fitts fills a need for the Trojans as they look to continue to build up the defensive line, and Fitts will fill one of the three available early enrollee slots, as well. His commitment ends an interesting recruiting saga that saw the Trojans begin well out in front as the hometown favorite but then fall behind when an offer wasn't extended during February's junior day. But when an offer was extended in the following weeks, Lane Kiffin and staff quickly established themselves as the frontrunner for Fitts' services.
"All glory to God, and with that said, I did commit to the University of Southern California today," Fitts said. "It's a dream come true. That has always been a dream school for me. Growing up I always wanted to go there. I'm really happy right now."
The 6-foot-4, 245-pound Fitts fills a need for the Trojans as they look to continue to build up the defensive line, and Fitts will fill one of the three available early enrollee slots, as well. His commitment ends an interesting recruiting saga that saw the Trojans begin well out in front as the hometown favorite but then fall behind when an offer wasn't extended during February's junior day. But when an offer was extended in the following weeks, Lane Kiffin and staff quickly established themselves as the frontrunner for Fitts' services.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
The USC spirit is alive and well and ready for a big 2012 season, at least it was for one day at the Coliseum for the spring game.
There was a genuine sense of excitement Saturday, as a large crowd of more than 15,000 gathered in the Grey Lady to get a glimpse of the Cardinal and Gold in action. It was the first public look at the team this spring -- as all USC practices are closed these days -- and the fans soaked up every second of the game-day atmosphere.
There were early morning tailgates, the Trojan Marching Band, the Song Girls and a sideline full of USC legends from Ronnie Lott to Marcus Allen and Anthony Munoz. Most of all, however, the fans were there to see Matt Barkley, T.J. McDonald and the rest of their Trojans in action.
There was a genuine sense of excitement Saturday, as a large crowd of more than 15,000 gathered in the Grey Lady to get a glimpse of the Cardinal and Gold in action. It was the first public look at the team this spring -- as all USC practices are closed these days -- and the fans soaked up every second of the game-day atmosphere.
There were early morning tailgates, the Trojan Marching Band, the Song Girls and a sideline full of USC legends from Ronnie Lott to Marcus Allen and Anthony Munoz. Most of all, however, the fans were there to see Matt Barkley, T.J. McDonald and the rest of their Trojans in action.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Quarterback Matt Barkley, running back D.J. Morgan and receivers De'Von Flournoy and Marqise Lee were the offensive stars in Saturday's USC spring game, while Hayes Pullard, Anthony Brown, Dion Bailey and Isiah Wiley paced the defense.
Rushing
D.J. Morgan: 6 rushes, 53 yards, 1 TD
Passing
Matt Barkley: 23 of 39, 212 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Cody Kessler: 3 of 6, 68 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Max Wittek: 3 of 7, 27 yards
Receiving
De'Von Flournoy: 7 rec., 69 yards
Marqise Lee: 7 rec., 57 yards, 1 TD
Xavier Grimble: 4 rec., 73 yards
Soma Vainuku: 4 rec., 66 yards, 1 TD
Defense
Hayes Pullard: 6 tackles
Anthony Brown: 6 tackles
Dion Bailey: 5 tackles
Isiah Wiley: 4 tackles, 5 pass breakups
Devon Kennard: 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack
Drew McAllister: 1 INT
Brian Baucham :1 INT
Scoring plays
Morgan: 47-yard run (Heidari kick)
Andre Heidari: 28-yard field goal
Heidari: 47-yard FG
Lee: 1-yard pass from Barkley (Heidari kick)
Vainuku: 44-pass from Kessler (Heidari kick)
Rushing
D.J. Morgan: 6 rushes, 53 yards, 1 TD
Passing
Matt Barkley: 23 of 39, 212 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Cody Kessler: 3 of 6, 68 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Max Wittek: 3 of 7, 27 yards
Receiving
De'Von Flournoy: 7 rec., 69 yards
Marqise Lee: 7 rec., 57 yards, 1 TD
Xavier Grimble: 4 rec., 73 yards
Soma Vainuku: 4 rec., 66 yards, 1 TD
Defense
Hayes Pullard: 6 tackles
Anthony Brown: 6 tackles
Dion Bailey: 5 tackles
Isiah Wiley: 4 tackles, 5 pass breakups
Devon Kennard: 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack
Drew McAllister: 1 INT
Brian Baucham :1 INT
Scoring plays
Morgan: 47-yard run (Heidari kick)
Andre Heidari: 28-yard field goal
Heidari: 47-yard FG
Lee: 1-yard pass from Barkley (Heidari kick)
Vainuku: 44-pass from Kessler (Heidari kick)
With current players, former players, coaches and administrators on hand for USC's spring game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, 710 ESPN caught up with a number of Trojans luminaries:
Monte Kiffin
Defensive coach Monte Kiffin talked about the Trojans' turnaround on defense last season and what he is looking for from his squad this upcoming year. Listen
Pat Haden
USC Athletic Director Pat Haden talked about the return of Matt Barkley, the opportunity to qualify for a bowl game this season, and how things won't be easy for the Trojans moving forward. Listen
Marcus Allen
Former USC Trojan and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Marcus Allen talked about the transformation of USC from an elite program for running backs into one for quarterbacks. Marcus also talks about his expectations for the team this season. Listen
Robert Woods
USC Trojans receiver Robert Woods talked about dealing with his ankle injury and working hard to get back on the field and ready for the start of the season. Listen
Anthony Munoz
Former USC Trojan Anthony Munoz talked about how USC has survived NCAA sanctions. Also, Anthony talked about how Lane Kiffin and Pat Haden have rebuilt the USC program. Listen
Monte Kiffin
Defensive coach Monte Kiffin talked about the Trojans' turnaround on defense last season and what he is looking for from his squad this upcoming year. Listen
Pat Haden
USC Athletic Director Pat Haden talked about the return of Matt Barkley, the opportunity to qualify for a bowl game this season, and how things won't be easy for the Trojans moving forward. Listen
Marcus Allen
Former USC Trojan and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Marcus Allen talked about the transformation of USC from an elite program for running backs into one for quarterbacks. Marcus also talks about his expectations for the team this season. Listen
Robert Woods
USC Trojans receiver Robert Woods talked about dealing with his ankle injury and working hard to get back on the field and ready for the start of the season. Listen
Anthony Munoz
Former USC Trojan Anthony Munoz talked about how USC has survived NCAA sanctions. Also, Anthony talked about how Lane Kiffin and Pat Haden have rebuilt the USC program. Listen
WeAreSC's Erik McKinney is at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and will be providing updates throughout today's USC Trojans spring football game:
12:46 p.m. PT: The gates are open
Weather might be affecting spring games across the country, but Friday's downpour has broken and the sun is shining on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for USC's spring game. The gates are open, and the south stands are filling with cardinal-and-gold-clad fans.
12:46 p.m. PT: The gates are open
Weather might be affecting spring games across the country, but Friday's downpour has broken and the sun is shining on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for USC's spring game. The gates are open, and the south stands are filling with cardinal-and-gold-clad fans.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
WeAreSC recruiting editor Erik McKinney answers reader questions in his mailbag every Friday. Have a USC recruiting question of your own? Submit it here.
Drew (Monterey, Calif.): Why has USC not offered a scholarship to Eddie Vanderdoes? With the need for four DL recruits from this class, he seems like a natural fit with the size to play multiple positions.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
LOS ANGELES -- The USC secondary got two pieces of good news on Thursday -- one expected and one unexpected -- that will help boost the fortunes of what has already been the deepest unit on the team this spring.
The Trojans knew that the NCAA had planned to review the transfer case of Joshua Shaw today, and a quick decision was certainly possible. Lane Kiffin talked earlier in the week about how he felt positive about the potential outcome without wanting to sound too confident.
Shaw had been requesting a hardship waiver of the one-year ineligibility period for a transfer player after leaving Florida in January and enrolling at USC. There were family health reasons for his request, which necessitated a move closer to his Palmdale, Calif., hometown.
The Trojans knew that the NCAA had planned to review the transfer case of Joshua Shaw today, and a quick decision was certainly possible. Lane Kiffin talked earlier in the week about how he felt positive about the potential outcome without wanting to sound too confident.
Shaw had been requesting a hardship waiver of the one-year ineligibility period for a transfer player after leaving Florida in January and enrolling at USC. There were family health reasons for his request, which necessitated a move closer to his Palmdale, Calif., hometown.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
LOS ANGELES -- The USC Trojans finished last season ranked No. 102 in the nation in pass defense. At the conclusion of the 2010 season, they sat at No. 109. Safe to say, it has been a few years since anybody has thrown the term “great” around when discussing the USC secondary. But that didn’t stop senior safety T.J. McDonald from hinting at the possibility as the Trojans prepare for Saturday’s spring game.
“Defensively, we’re playing fast,” McDonald said. “Coaches can throw adjustments at us and we can pick it up and play it right away. That’s something that all great defenses can do and I think we’re taking a step in that direction. We have a lot of work to do, but we’re moving in the right direction.”
The defense has benefitted from not having to go against wide receiver Robert Woods at all this spring. Wide receiver George Farmer has been limited by a hamstring injury, and outside of the first week, the Trojans have been working with one or less tight ends. But the experience in the secondary, led by three-year starters in McDonald, safety Jawanza Starling and cornerback Nickell Robey, makes this group formidable, and head coach Lane Kiffin has taken notice.
“Defensively, we’re playing fast,” McDonald said. “Coaches can throw adjustments at us and we can pick it up and play it right away. That’s something that all great defenses can do and I think we’re taking a step in that direction. We have a lot of work to do, but we’re moving in the right direction.”
The defense has benefitted from not having to go against wide receiver Robert Woods at all this spring. Wide receiver George Farmer has been limited by a hamstring injury, and outside of the first week, the Trojans have been working with one or less tight ends. But the experience in the secondary, led by three-year starters in McDonald, safety Jawanza Starling and cornerback Nickell Robey, makes this group formidable, and head coach Lane Kiffin has taken notice.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Two-way standout Chans Cox (Lakeside, Ariz./Blue Ridge) added another scholarship offer to his list on Thursday, as the USC Trojans became the latest program to extend one to the 6-foot-2, 225-pound athlete.
"I was really surprised," Cox said of the offer from USC. "I haven't made any top lists of schools yet, but they will definitely fall into that top category."
Cox is familiar with the USC staff, as he attended their junior day in early February. While there were hundreds of people on campus, Cox said the coaches make a point to single him out and put in some one-on-one time.
"I was really surprised," Cox said of the offer from USC. "I haven't made any top lists of schools yet, but they will definitely fall into that top category."
Cox is familiar with the USC staff, as he attended their junior day in early February. While there were hundreds of people on campus, Cox said the coaches make a point to single him out and put in some one-on-one time.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
“What three things will you be watching for in the USC spring game on Saturday?”
Garry Paskwietz
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
The USC basketball program announced the signing of Los Angeles Fairfax guard Brendyn Taylor on Wednesday. Taylor joins guard J.T. Terrell (Port Angeles, Wash./Peninsula JC) and forward Strahinja Gavrilovic (Kragujevac, Serbia) in the Trojans 2013 recruiting class. Terrell and Gavrilovic signed with USC in November.
Taylor, a 6-foot-2, 170-pound combo guard was lightly recruited after missing most of his junior season and some of his senior year after transferring schools, but led Fairfax to a 20-10 record, averaging 18.0 points, 3.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game.
"Brendyn has great upside," USC coach Kevin O'Neill said in a statement released by the school. "He is an athletic wing whose best days are ahead of him. He is going to be a major plus both on and off the court for USC."
Because of several transfers and a medical redshirt during the offseason, the Trojans still have one remaining spot to sign a high school player during this signing period or land a transfer.
Taylor, a 6-foot-2, 170-pound combo guard was lightly recruited after missing most of his junior season and some of his senior year after transferring schools, but led Fairfax to a 20-10 record, averaging 18.0 points, 3.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game.
"Brendyn has great upside," USC coach Kevin O'Neill said in a statement released by the school. "He is an athletic wing whose best days are ahead of him. He is going to be a major plus both on and off the court for USC."
Because of several transfers and a medical redshirt during the offseason, the Trojans still have one remaining spot to sign a high school player during this signing period or land a transfer.
One of the most notable absences of the USC spring ball session has been wide receiver Robert Woods, who has not practiced as he continues to rehab from offseason surgery on his right ankle.
It hasn’t been a pleasant experience for Woods, who is spotted every day in his No. 2 jersey pacing the sidelines and following every move of the receiver group.
“I’m very restless,” Woods said. “I just want to hop out there at practice and take a rep sometimes, especially during the one-on-ones. I miss practicing with the guys. Practice is fun, especially when the offense is doing well, making big plays and talking trash to T.J. (McDonald) and Nickell (Robey). I miss that the most.”
The news that Woods is a trash talker might come as a surprise to those who have dealt with the mild-mannered Woods off the field. To his teammates, however, the other side of Woods comes out on the field.
“Rob doesn’t talk much around other people but he does when he’s around his teammates,” wide receiver Marqise Lee said. “He definitely does some trash talking on the field, oh yeah (laughing). He’s a beast when it comes to intensity.”
Unfortunately for Woods, that trash talk is limited to spectator status these days as the coaches and trainers made the decision to sit him out of spring ball in the hope of having his ankle ready for the start of the season.
Woods -- who celebrated his 20th birthday earlier this week -- originally hurt the ankle in April 2011 while taking part in a pickup basketball game. The injury lingered throughout the 2011 season, although he persevered enough to set a USC school record in receptions and be named an ESPN All-American.
“The ankle is doing pretty well right now,” Woods said. “It’s getting better. I think I could practice, I’m trying to beg the trainers to let me out there, but they just tell me to take it safe and just be ready for Sept. 1.”
Instead of practicing, Woods must be content with supporting his fellow receivers, a group that has been depleted at times but still has shown some pleasant production.
“I’m excited for all of them and I’m actually learning through them this spring,” Woods said. “I’m proud to see what Marqise Lee is doing out here. As a freshman Marqise was running the routes but now he’s reading the defenses, too. He understands things a lot better and that allows him to play faster.
“Victor (Blackwell) is doing well. And De’Von Flournoy is making some big-time plays. De’Von is an explosive player and I knew he could do this if he got an opportunity. I just want to get back out there with them as soon as I can.”
Woods has also had a chance to form an impression of the USC defense and he likes what he sees.
“We’ve got a lot of speed on defense,” Woods said. “These guys really fly around to the ball. Of course, Nickell stands out. Isiah (Wiley), he’s always going to play well. Anthony Brown has been consistent. And Josh Shaw looked good when he was out in throwing sessions. I’m kind of looking forward to seeing Josh out here competing.”
As of right now the plan is for Woods to return to action in July to get some work in summer throwing sessions before fall camp begins in August. He knows what is possible for the USC team this year and he thinks the Trojans will be ready.
“I’m definitely excited to get back,” Woods said. “If fall camp starts and the ankle isn’t ready I’m still going to practice anyways, I have to. I know what this team has and our potential.
“We don’t need any outside motivation this year. This team is going to get better because of this team. The defense is going to motivate the offense and the offense is going to motivate the defense. That’s what I like about this program.”
It hasn’t been a pleasant experience for Woods, who is spotted every day in his No. 2 jersey pacing the sidelines and following every move of the receiver group.
[+] Enlarge
Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesRobert Woods likes what he has seen out of his fellow receivers this spring in his absence.
Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesRobert Woods likes what he has seen out of his fellow receivers this spring in his absence.The news that Woods is a trash talker might come as a surprise to those who have dealt with the mild-mannered Woods off the field. To his teammates, however, the other side of Woods comes out on the field.
“Rob doesn’t talk much around other people but he does when he’s around his teammates,” wide receiver Marqise Lee said. “He definitely does some trash talking on the field, oh yeah (laughing). He’s a beast when it comes to intensity.”
Unfortunately for Woods, that trash talk is limited to spectator status these days as the coaches and trainers made the decision to sit him out of spring ball in the hope of having his ankle ready for the start of the season.
Woods -- who celebrated his 20th birthday earlier this week -- originally hurt the ankle in April 2011 while taking part in a pickup basketball game. The injury lingered throughout the 2011 season, although he persevered enough to set a USC school record in receptions and be named an ESPN All-American.
“The ankle is doing pretty well right now,” Woods said. “It’s getting better. I think I could practice, I’m trying to beg the trainers to let me out there, but they just tell me to take it safe and just be ready for Sept. 1.”
Instead of practicing, Woods must be content with supporting his fellow receivers, a group that has been depleted at times but still has shown some pleasant production.
“I’m excited for all of them and I’m actually learning through them this spring,” Woods said. “I’m proud to see what Marqise Lee is doing out here. As a freshman Marqise was running the routes but now he’s reading the defenses, too. He understands things a lot better and that allows him to play faster.
“Victor (Blackwell) is doing well. And De’Von Flournoy is making some big-time plays. De’Von is an explosive player and I knew he could do this if he got an opportunity. I just want to get back out there with them as soon as I can.”
Woods has also had a chance to form an impression of the USC defense and he likes what he sees.
“We’ve got a lot of speed on defense,” Woods said. “These guys really fly around to the ball. Of course, Nickell stands out. Isiah (Wiley), he’s always going to play well. Anthony Brown has been consistent. And Josh Shaw looked good when he was out in throwing sessions. I’m kind of looking forward to seeing Josh out here competing.”
As of right now the plan is for Woods to return to action in July to get some work in summer throwing sessions before fall camp begins in August. He knows what is possible for the USC team this year and he thinks the Trojans will be ready.
“I’m definitely excited to get back,” Woods said. “If fall camp starts and the ankle isn’t ready I’m still going to practice anyways, I have to. I know what this team has and our potential.
“We don’t need any outside motivation this year. This team is going to get better because of this team. The defense is going to motivate the offense and the offense is going to motivate the defense. That’s what I like about this program.”
LOS ANGELES -- Nose tackle Antwaun Woods has been perhaps the most pleasant surprise of the spring for USC coaches. The redshirt freshman was an afterthought last year, as poor conditioning rendered him incapable of making an impact during his first fall. That he would be able to turn himself around in one offseason to the point where he is challenging for a starting spot as spring ball comes to a close has been a shock to most onlookers.
Defensive line coach Ed Orgeron raises his eyebrows when Woods is mentioned, as if words can’t convey what a difference there is in the Woods of eight months ago compared to the one that lines up for him now.
“He’s come along,” Orgeron said. “Last fall there was no way he was ready to play. He was falling over and couldn’t finish a sprint. Now you look at him -- he’s a part of the program and he has a long ways to go -- but I’m really happy about him.”
Defensive line coach Ed Orgeron raises his eyebrows when Woods is mentioned, as if words can’t convey what a difference there is in the Woods of eight months ago compared to the one that lines up for him now.
“He’s come along,” Orgeron said. “Last fall there was no way he was ready to play. He was falling over and couldn’t finish a sprint. Now you look at him -- he’s a part of the program and he has a long ways to go -- but I’m really happy about him.”
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
USC head coach Lane Kiffin has yet to release an official end-of-spring depth chart but here is a breakdown of how things look for the Trojans as they head into the final week of spring:
Quarterback
Matt Barkley; Cody Kessler or Max Wittek
Quarterback
Matt Barkley; Cody Kessler or Max Wittek
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
High expectations for USC, passing attack
April, 10, 2012
4/10/12
10:19
AM PT
By Brett Perrotta, ESPN Stats & Info | ESPN.com
Kirby Lee/US PresswireMatt Barkley is back to direct one of the most potent passing attacks in USC Trojans history.This is the first time since 2005 that USC has had its top passer, top rusher, and top two receivers return from the previous season. That team was coming off an undefeated season and national championship, and would run the table before falling to the Texas Longhorns in the final moments of the BCS Championship Game in Pasadena.
Aside from having the most prolific weapon in college football that season in Reggie Bush, USC's returning offensive group could be even more explosive in 2012 -- especially Matt Barkley and the Trojan passing assault.
Barkley's numbers from 2011 were better across the board than Matt Leinart's were when he won the Heisman Trophy in 2004. Barkley threw for more yards and touchdowns while completing a higher percentage of his passes in 2011 than Leinart did in 2004.
What's particularly scary for Pac-12 defenses is that Barkley has improved from year to year. His touchdowns have gone up and interceptions have dropped every year at USC, while Leinart's numbers were relatively unchanged during his three seasons leading the Trojans.
Barkley’s biggest improvement last year came when throwing the ball deep. He increased his completion percentage on passes 15-or-more yards downfield by 10 percent and didn’t throw an interception when throwing deep.
While Leinart often deferred to Reggie Bush and Lendale White in the red zone in 2005 (40 combined rushing TDs in 2005), the strength of the 2012 team lies with Barkley and his two favorite targets on the outside, Robert Woods and Marqise Lee.
The 2011 season marked the fourth time that a pair of USC receivers each eclipsed 1,000 yards, as Woods and Lee combined for 2,435 yards and 26 touchdowns. USC gained more yards from Barkley passing to Woods and Lee than 38 FBS teams had through the air for the season.
Woods and Barkley already hold several school and conference records. If they each replicate their success in 2012, even more records will fall.
Assuming a repeat performance of his 2011 statistics, Woods would be the Pac-12 career leader in receptions and would be tied for second in career touchdown receptions, all in three seasons. Barkley would be the eighth FBS quarterback to throw for more than 115 touchdowns in his career, and would be the Pac-12 career leader in passing yards and touchdowns.
Though setting records would be nice for these two players, the entire team has made it clear that there is a singular goal for the Men of Troy -- a BCS Championship.
Sharon Katz contributed to this post
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.