In this episode of RecruitingNation 411, we preview this weekend's Elite 11 regional camp and the Nike Football Training Camp. Both events are in Dallas, and are the first events of their kind this season. Our recruiting experts also go over the recruiting battle between Michigan and Ohio State, a commitment for LSU, and the latest on two highly sought after West Coast prospects.
LOS ANGELES -- Spring ball is the time to try new things. There are no games waiting to played each week in spring, so it’s always a great opportunity to look at different combinations or at players in new roles to see how they will respond.
Lane Kiffin and the Trojans are certainly taking advantage of that, and this week is a great example of how Kiffin is willing to use this time of the year for experimentation.
The biggest splash this week came with the news that Tre Madden would get a look at running back. Madden had been singled out during the first week of spring for his terrific play on defense, specifically in the first full-pads practice, when he took reps with the first unit at strong side linebacker with Dion Bailey out due to injury.
Lane Kiffin and the Trojans are certainly taking advantage of that, and this week is a great example of how Kiffin is willing to use this time of the year for experimentation.
The biggest splash this week came with the news that Tre Madden would get a look at running back. Madden had been singled out during the first week of spring for his terrific play on defense, specifically in the first full-pads practice, when he took reps with the first unit at strong side linebacker with Dion Bailey out due to injury.
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What are the top three things you are watching for during Saturday's scrimmage?
Garry Paskwietz
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Bell previews ND visit; talks USC interest 
March, 22, 2012
3/22/12
7:28
AM PT
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Tre’ Bell (Jersey City, N.J./St. Peter’s Prep) picked up his offer from Notre Dame on Mar. 8. It didn’t take long for Bell to schedule his unofficial visit to the Fighting Irish after that.
One of the top cornerbacks in the Mid-Atlantic will visit South Bend, Ind., this coming weekend.
“I want to check out the campus and stuff like that,” Bell said. “I want to meet all the coaching staff and get to watch practice. I can’t wait to see that.”
One of the top cornerbacks in the Mid-Atlantic will visit South Bend, Ind., this coming weekend.
“I want to check out the campus and stuff like that,” Bell said. “I want to meet all the coaching staff and get to watch practice. I can’t wait to see that.”
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Here is a listing and bio information for the 2012 spring football walk-ons (courtesy of USC sports information):
No. Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthday Cl.(Ath/Ac) Exp. Hometown (High School/JC/College)
36 AKIBA, John TB 5-8 190 8/5/90 Jr.*/Sr. -- Mission Viejo (Mission Viejo/Saddleback JC)
54 ARAKELIAN, Michael DE 6-1 210 10/26/90 Jr.*/Sr. -- Anaheim (Orange Lutheran/Chapman)
44 AVIV, Yonatan FB 6-0 270 7/25/90 So.*/Jr. -- Los Angeles (Yula)
26 DARLIN, Spencer WR 5-10 175 2/12/92 So.*/Jr. -- Encinitas (La Costa Canyon)
84 DOWNEY JR., Kevin TE 6-3 210 8/27/90 Jr.*/Sr. -- West Hills (El Camino Real/Pierce JC)
28 FU, Kevin WR 6-3 170 6/12/92 So.*/Jr. -- San Jose (Harker)
40 HUGHES, Brett WR 6-2 195 5/22/93 Fr.*/So. -- Mountain View (Mountain View)
38 JOLIN, Taylor S 6-2 195 12/26/91 So.*/Jr. -- San Diego (La Costa Canyon)
91 KUSNIR, Zack DT 6-5 250 2/6/89 Sr.*/Sr. SQ La Jolla (La Jolla Country Day/San Diego St.)
41 MATRANGA, Eric WR 5-10 180 1/13/90 Sr.*/Sr. TR Carmichael (Jesuit/San Joaquin Delta JC/Glendale JC)
46 SIMMONS, Hunter FB 6-1 240 9/20/90 Jr.*/Sr. 1V Pasadena (Loyola)
49 SUTTON, Christian CB 5-10 185 6/25/93 Fr.*/So. TR Suwanee, GA (North Gwinnett/Point)
27 TOBER, William CB 5-9 170 10/3/90 Jr.*/Sr. -- San Clemente (San Clemente)
49 UCHE, Chidozie WR 5-10 180 8/18/90 Sr.*/Sr. -- London, England (Strake Jesuit)
No. Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthday Cl.(Ath/Ac) Exp. Hometown (High School/JC/College)
36 AKIBA, John TB 5-8 190 8/5/90 Jr.*/Sr. -- Mission Viejo (Mission Viejo/Saddleback JC)
54 ARAKELIAN, Michael DE 6-1 210 10/26/90 Jr.*/Sr. -- Anaheim (Orange Lutheran/Chapman)
44 AVIV, Yonatan FB 6-0 270 7/25/90 So.*/Jr. -- Los Angeles (Yula)
26 DARLIN, Spencer WR 5-10 175 2/12/92 So.*/Jr. -- Encinitas (La Costa Canyon)
84 DOWNEY JR., Kevin TE 6-3 210 8/27/90 Jr.*/Sr. -- West Hills (El Camino Real/Pierce JC)
28 FU, Kevin WR 6-3 170 6/12/92 So.*/Jr. -- San Jose (Harker)
40 HUGHES, Brett WR 6-2 195 5/22/93 Fr.*/So. -- Mountain View (Mountain View)
38 JOLIN, Taylor S 6-2 195 12/26/91 So.*/Jr. -- San Diego (La Costa Canyon)
91 KUSNIR, Zack DT 6-5 250 2/6/89 Sr.*/Sr. SQ La Jolla (La Jolla Country Day/San Diego St.)
41 MATRANGA, Eric WR 5-10 180 1/13/90 Sr.*/Sr. TR Carmichael (Jesuit/San Joaquin Delta JC/Glendale JC)
46 SIMMONS, Hunter FB 6-1 240 9/20/90 Jr.*/Sr. 1V Pasadena (Loyola)
49 SUTTON, Christian CB 5-10 185 6/25/93 Fr.*/So. TR Suwanee, GA (North Gwinnett/Point)
27 TOBER, William CB 5-9 170 10/3/90 Jr.*/Sr. -- San Clemente (San Clemente)
49 UCHE, Chidozie WR 5-10 180 8/18/90 Sr.*/Sr. -- London, England (Strake Jesuit)
While Tuesday's moves on offense generated the most attention, as Tre Madden worked at tailback and the offensive tackles flipped sides, there was a notable change in the defensive secondary, as Demetrius Wright went with the first team at strong safety.
This early in spring ball, the coaches have shown that they will look to shake things up and give backups opportunities to make an impact. On Tuesday, Wright was ready for his chance.
"They said for me to run with the ones," Wright said of the USC coaches. "Prove yourself, pretty much. That's all that was said."
This early in spring ball, the coaches have shown that they will look to shake things up and give backups opportunities to make an impact. On Tuesday, Wright was ready for his chance.
"They said for me to run with the ones," Wright said of the USC coaches. "Prove yourself, pretty much. That's all that was said."
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It's tough to call the move of Tre Madden from linebacker to tailback a success after just one practice at the position. But it was tougher not to notice the grin plastered across the face of running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu after Tuesday's practice. The normally stoic Polamalu is consistent in tempering expectations and taking things one day at a time. But he couldn't hide his excitement after coaching Madden for only a few hours.
"It was fun watching him," Polamalu said. "Believe me, he looked like a football player back there."
With Buck Allen still nursing a hamstring injury, the Trojans were down to just two scholarship backs before Madden's move, as senior starter Curtis McNeal and redshirt sophomore D.J. Morgan took virtually every rep. Polamalu was grateful that Madden, at 226 pounds, will supply some depth at the position, but he also commented on the fact Madden brings a fairly unique skill set.
"It was fun watching him," Polamalu said. "Believe me, he looked like a football player back there."
With Buck Allen still nursing a hamstring injury, the Trojans were down to just two scholarship backs before Madden's move, as senior starter Curtis McNeal and redshirt sophomore D.J. Morgan took virtually every rep. Polamalu was grateful that Madden, at 226 pounds, will supply some depth at the position, but he also commented on the fact Madden brings a fairly unique skill set.
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Running back Terrell Newby Jr. (West Hills, Calif./Chaminade) was one of several recruits in attendance at USC's Tuesday practice and came away impressed with the experience.
"It was awesome," Newby said via text. "I had a great time with the coaches and players. The program is filled with tradition and pageantry. I definitely have a very, very high interest in SC."
Newby holds offers from Arizona State, Colorado, Nebraska, Oregon State, Utah and Washington State, but is hearing from the entire Pac-12 conference. He said he will continue to make his way slowly through the recruiting process and will be back at USC again this summer. Newby had an opportunity to speak with coach Ed Orgeron after Tuesday's practice and was told that the Trojans coaches would like to see the 5-foot-10 tailback at one of their camps.
"I believe after going to a camp and having them see me work out, I think there's a great possibility of an offer," Newby said.
"It was awesome," Newby said via text. "I had a great time with the coaches and players. The program is filled with tradition and pageantry. I definitely have a very, very high interest in SC."
Newby holds offers from Arizona State, Colorado, Nebraska, Oregon State, Utah and Washington State, but is hearing from the entire Pac-12 conference. He said he will continue to make his way slowly through the recruiting process and will be back at USC again this summer. Newby had an opportunity to speak with coach Ed Orgeron after Tuesday's practice and was told that the Trojans coaches would like to see the 5-foot-10 tailback at one of their camps.
"I believe after going to a camp and having them see me work out, I think there's a great possibility of an offer," Newby said.
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Chris Hawkins (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga) and his father visited USC Tuesday afternoon. Hawkins was able to sit in on special teams and position meetings, then stayed for the entire practice.
When Hawkins made the trip to USC two weeks ago to receive an offer from the Trojans, he wasn't able to speak with head coach Lane Kiffin. This time, according to Hawkins' father Armond, Kiffin remained after practice to speak with him.
"He said he was glad Chris has made it two weeks in a row and he hopes he keeps coming back," Armond Hawkins said via text message. "All of the coaches paid attention to Chris today."
Hawkins has developed a good relationship with defensive backs coach Marvin Sanders, and Sanders again spent time with Hawkins after practice. The coaches will have another chance this week to make an impression on Hawkins, as the standout corner will be at USC again on Thursday.
When Hawkins made the trip to USC two weeks ago to receive an offer from the Trojans, he wasn't able to speak with head coach Lane Kiffin. This time, according to Hawkins' father Armond, Kiffin remained after practice to speak with him.
"He said he was glad Chris has made it two weeks in a row and he hopes he keeps coming back," Armond Hawkins said via text message. "All of the coaches paid attention to Chris today."
Hawkins has developed a good relationship with defensive backs coach Marvin Sanders, and Sanders again spent time with Hawkins after practice. The coaches will have another chance this week to make an impression on Hawkins, as the standout corner will be at USC again on Thursday.
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More roster shakeup for O'Neill's Trojans
March, 20, 2012
3/20/12
11:10
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
The USC Trojans basketball program will lose two more players, as freshman Alexis Moore and sophomore Curtis Washington have asked for their releases so they can transfer, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The news of additional departures on the heels of Garrett Jackson's announced transfer was expected, as these three transfers, combined with the expected spring signing of guard Brendyn Taylor (Los Angeles/Fairfax) will now land the Trojans at 13 scholarship players this fall.
Moore played in every game during his freshman season, as he was asked to play a much bigger role than expected when senior guard Jio Fontan was lost for the year to a pre-season knee injury.
Washington was another of USC's season-long injury squad, as he suffered a shoulder injury during preparation for the exhibition games in Brazil.
The news of additional departures on the heels of Garrett Jackson's announced transfer was expected, as these three transfers, combined with the expected spring signing of guard Brendyn Taylor (Los Angeles/Fairfax) will now land the Trojans at 13 scholarship players this fall.
Moore played in every game during his freshman season, as he was asked to play a much bigger role than expected when senior guard Jio Fontan was lost for the year to a pre-season knee injury.
Washington was another of USC's season-long injury squad, as he suffered a shoulder injury during preparation for the exhibition games in Brazil.
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Not many college football teams can raid the linebacker meeting room for tailback help, but Tre Madden proved Tuesday that the USC Trojans have that versatility in stock. After standing out at outside linebacker during the first full pads practice of spring, Madden donned a cardinal jersey on Tuesday, making the move to tailback.
"Having a week to sit around and think about what our team needs, this is a time to try it," said head coach Lane Kiffin.
Kiffin acknowledged that the experiment could end shortly and Madden would be on his way back to strongside linebacker, but he also gave several reasons supporting a possible permanent move.
"Having a week to sit around and think about what our team needs, this is a time to try it," said head coach Lane Kiffin.
Kiffin acknowledged that the experiment could end shortly and Madden would be on his way back to strongside linebacker, but he also gave several reasons supporting a possible permanent move.
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It has been an interesting year for Red Lion Christian Academy in Bear, Del., and, by extension, for standout football players and USC commits in 2013 defensive tackle Kenny Bigelow and 2015 quarterback David Sills.
Last year, the football program was granted permission to become associate members of the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association, which meant they could offer athletic scholarships, but in exchange, could not play against in-state teams or take part in any state tournaments. But at the conclusion of the season, the school was taken over by Glasgow Church, which immediately looked to de-emphasize the sports program and return to full compliance with DIAA rules.
As a result, the entire football coaching staff was let go, which prompted many to speculate that some players could follow suit and look for a new school.
That has proven to be the case for virtually the entire team, but of particular interest to USC fans is that Bigelow and Sills ended up at Elkton (Md.) Eastern Christian Academy. The two are extremely close, and will both wind up as top recruits in their respective classes. There is still plenty of distance from Maryland to USC, but Lane Kiffin and the Trojans coaches will do what they can to hold onto these two talented players.
Last year, the football program was granted permission to become associate members of the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association, which meant they could offer athletic scholarships, but in exchange, could not play against in-state teams or take part in any state tournaments. But at the conclusion of the season, the school was taken over by Glasgow Church, which immediately looked to de-emphasize the sports program and return to full compliance with DIAA rules.
As a result, the entire football coaching staff was let go, which prompted many to speculate that some players could follow suit and look for a new school.
That has proven to be the case for virtually the entire team, but of particular interest to USC fans is that Bigelow and Sills ended up at Elkton (Md.) Eastern Christian Academy. The two are extremely close, and will both wind up as top recruits in their respective classes. There is still plenty of distance from Maryland to USC, but Lane Kiffin and the Trojans coaches will do what they can to hold onto these two talented players.
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Trojans back on the practice field today
March, 20, 2012
3/20/12
9:25
AM PT
By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
LOS ANGELES -- The “preseason” is over for USC spring ball and now it’s time for the Trojans to get back to work.
Lane Kiffin took an interesting approach to scheduling spring ball practices this year by having the team take part in one week of practice sessions and then taking a week off for spring break.
In effect, those first three practices during the opening week -- two of which were held in shorts with no pads -- served as a prelude to the real action, which starts Tuesday.
As usual with Kiffin, there was certainly a plan in place by scheduling things this way. Kiffin isn’t afraid to try new things -- be it morning practices or staggered spring ball practice dates -- if he thinks there is a way it can help his program.
For the players, the initial week of practice gave them a chance to hit the field to work the offseason kinks out and get their bodies adjusted to being back on the field before taking the traditional spring break. The timing also worked to help benefit injured players -- to test where the injuries were at during the first week and then to give the bodies an extra week to heal.
For the coaches, it was an opportunity to gather a week’s worth of film work to review and gauge where the players are at before moving forward. Coaches love to get as much information as possible and chances are good that the staff picked up some data which will be put to use.
Now that spring break is over, the schedule also sets up nicely for the Trojans to get back into a routine for the remainder of spring. Each week from here on out will feature the same schedule; a Tuesday practice, a Thursday practice and then a Saturday scrimmage at the Coliseum.
Football players and coaches are certainly big on routine, so this schedule should allow for some real competitive settings. There will be two days during the week focused on the practice sessions, with the carrot at the end of the stick coming each Saturday with the scrimmages in the big stadium.
There are many times where spring ball is viewed as a necessary evil, something which upperclassmen, in particular, can often dread taking part in because it is simply practice for the sake of practice without any games on the horizon.
This does not feel like one of those years for the Trojans. This team seems to be soaking up every second of being on the field, every chance to compete. A large, large part of that feeling comes from the Trojans being forced to sit out the last two bowl seasons. This team has no such feelings of dread when it comes to practicing. They look at these spring ball sessions as a chance to improve as much as possible before the real test comes this fall when they get to take care of some “unfinished business.”
Look for the intensity to rise Tuesday when the Trojans return to Brian Kennedy-Howard Jones Field. Spring break is over and it’s time for this team to get back to work.
Lane Kiffin took an interesting approach to scheduling spring ball practices this year by having the team take part in one week of practice sessions and then taking a week off for spring break.
In effect, those first three practices during the opening week -- two of which were held in shorts with no pads -- served as a prelude to the real action, which starts Tuesday.
As usual with Kiffin, there was certainly a plan in place by scheduling things this way. Kiffin isn’t afraid to try new things -- be it morning practices or staggered spring ball practice dates -- if he thinks there is a way it can help his program.
For the players, the initial week of practice gave them a chance to hit the field to work the offseason kinks out and get their bodies adjusted to being back on the field before taking the traditional spring break. The timing also worked to help benefit injured players -- to test where the injuries were at during the first week and then to give the bodies an extra week to heal.
For the coaches, it was an opportunity to gather a week’s worth of film work to review and gauge where the players are at before moving forward. Coaches love to get as much information as possible and chances are good that the staff picked up some data which will be put to use.
Now that spring break is over, the schedule also sets up nicely for the Trojans to get back into a routine for the remainder of spring. Each week from here on out will feature the same schedule; a Tuesday practice, a Thursday practice and then a Saturday scrimmage at the Coliseum.
Football players and coaches are certainly big on routine, so this schedule should allow for some real competitive settings. There will be two days during the week focused on the practice sessions, with the carrot at the end of the stick coming each Saturday with the scrimmages in the big stadium.
There are many times where spring ball is viewed as a necessary evil, something which upperclassmen, in particular, can often dread taking part in because it is simply practice for the sake of practice without any games on the horizon.
This does not feel like one of those years for the Trojans. This team seems to be soaking up every second of being on the field, every chance to compete. A large, large part of that feeling comes from the Trojans being forced to sit out the last two bowl seasons. This team has no such feelings of dread when it comes to practicing. They look at these spring ball sessions as a chance to improve as much as possible before the real test comes this fall when they get to take care of some “unfinished business.”
Look for the intensity to rise Tuesday when the Trojans return to Brian Kennedy-Howard Jones Field. Spring break is over and it’s time for this team to get back to work.
Second Ariz. guard decommits from USC
March, 20, 2012
3/20/12
9:02
AM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
For the second time in a matter of weeks, an Arizona guard has decommitted from USC. Larry Lewis (Scottsdale, Ariz./Arcadia) joins Dewayne Russell (Peoria, Ariz./Peoria) as players the Trojans have lost from the 2012 class this March.
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Here’s an update of the former USC players who were free agents this year in the NFL. The free-agent signing period began on Tuesday:
WR Keary Colbert
2011 team: Kansas City Chiefs
2011 stats: Nine catches, 89 yards
WR Keary Colbert
2011 team: Kansas City Chiefs
2011 stats: Nine catches, 89 yards
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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.