ESPN The Magazine and RecruitingNation compiled the past five years (2007-11) of ESPNU 150 rankings and then crowned college football's top 10 recruiting programs.
Here's how they did it:
Here's the top-10.
1. Florida
2. Texas
3. USC
4. Alabama
5. Florida State
6. Notre Dame
T-7. Georgia
t-7: LSU
9. Miami
T-10. Ohio State
T-10. Oklahoma
Here's what it says about USC:
(USC actually signed three out-of-state recruits, including receiver Nelson Agholor and DT Leonard Williams, who are both from Florida).
What's clear from this list: Sometimes teams with lots of ESPNU 150 players produce on the field (Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma, Ohio State) and sometimes they do not (Florida, Texas, Florida State, Notre Dame and Miami).
Florida is 15-11 over the past two seasons, when these highly rated classes should have been peaking. Texas is 13-12 over the same span. Miami has lost fewer than six games just once since 2007. Notre Dame's best years came the past two seasons -- both 8-5. Florida State has averaged 4.8 losses since 2007. Georgia was 10-4 this season, but it was a combined 14-12 in 2009 and 2010. Ohio State probably can be forgiven its 6-7 finish this year, based on the NCAA issues and firing of coach Jim Tressel. Oklahoma's lone blip was an 8-5 campaign in 2009. USC's "downturn" came in 2009 and 2010 when the Trojans went 17-9.
Conclusions?
Well, it's possible that Florida recruiting -- as good as it is -- is overrated. Perhaps the same can be said for Texas. Or at least these four programs -- Florida, Florida State, Miami and Texas -- aren't doing the best job of evaluating their wealth of in-state talent.
Here's how they did it:
Our methodology was simple: We re-tallied the scores following signing day and ranked the schools based on total number of ESPNU 150 recruits (there have been 900) hauled in over the last six years. Of course, like success on the field, recruiting is cyclical -- and fans of programs both on and off this list might look back on Feb. 1, 2012 as the day their team began its rise (or fall) on the trail.
Here's the top-10.
1. Florida
2. Texas
3. USC
4. Alabama
5. Florida State
6. Notre Dame
T-7. Georgia
t-7: LSU
9. Miami
T-10. Ohio State
T-10. Oklahoma
Here's what it says about USC:
Top states: California (36), Florida (six), Arizona (four)
Surprise state: Georgia (three)
Sure, the Trojans have California locked up. But USC has also signed four of Arizona's 12 ESPNU 150 prospects and Georgia's second-best preps in 2008 (WR Brice Butler of Norcross) and 2010 (WR Markeith Ambles of McDonough). In 2012, USC signed seven ESPNU 150 commits -- OT Zach Banner (Lakewood, Wash.) was the lone out-of-state recruit.
(USC actually signed three out-of-state recruits, including receiver Nelson Agholor and DT Leonard Williams, who are both from Florida).
What's clear from this list: Sometimes teams with lots of ESPNU 150 players produce on the field (Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma, Ohio State) and sometimes they do not (Florida, Texas, Florida State, Notre Dame and Miami).
Florida is 15-11 over the past two seasons, when these highly rated classes should have been peaking. Texas is 13-12 over the same span. Miami has lost fewer than six games just once since 2007. Notre Dame's best years came the past two seasons -- both 8-5. Florida State has averaged 4.8 losses since 2007. Georgia was 10-4 this season, but it was a combined 14-12 in 2009 and 2010. Ohio State probably can be forgiven its 6-7 finish this year, based on the NCAA issues and firing of coach Jim Tressel. Oklahoma's lone blip was an 8-5 campaign in 2009. USC's "downturn" came in 2009 and 2010 when the Trojans went 17-9.
Conclusions?
Well, it's possible that Florida recruiting -- as good as it is -- is overrated. Perhaps the same can be said for Texas. Or at least these four programs -- Florida, Florida State, Miami and Texas -- aren't doing the best job of evaluating their wealth of in-state talent.
One day later, the USC Trojans’ 2012 recruiting class still registers as an overall success for Lane Kiffin and his staff. The 12 signees and five early enrollees will be a big part of the future of this program. WeAreSC hands out awards for the 2012 class.
Biggest Surprise -- DT Leonard Williams (Daytona Beach, Fla./Mainland)
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High four-star athlete Stefon Diggs (Olney, Md./Good Counsel), ranked No. 13 in the ESPNU 150, stuck to his plan and did not sign Wednesday.
Diggs took official visits to California (Dec. 2), Auburn (Jan. 13), Florida (Jan. 20) and Ohio State (Jan. 27). Other programs including USC, Maryland, Virginia and Virginia Tech could still be in the mix.
Diggs took official visits to California (Dec. 2), Auburn (Jan. 13), Florida (Jan. 20) and Ohio State (Jan. 27). Other programs including USC, Maryland, Virginia and Virginia Tech could still be in the mix.
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Shelley Smith reports on USC's signing day. The Trojans had a small recruiting class and lost out on some of their top targets.
4:49 p.m. -- Bryce Treggs (Bellflower, Calif./St. John Bosco) was the last Trojans target to announce, as he stuck with his original commitment to California. He resisted overtures to UCLA and USC, though it was unclear if Treggs had a commitable offer to the Trojans. Rogers has submitted his letter of intent, meaning that all 17 Trojans are now officially signed.
4:38 p.m. -- Carson, Calif., wide receiver Darreus Rogers announced for USC over Arizona State and Oregon. Rogers had been committed to the Trojans for over a year, but recently opened up his recruitment before deciding to go back to the Trojans.
3:04 p.m. -- Stanford took another prospect that USC was going after, as defensive tackle Aziz Shittu (Atwater, Calif./Buhach Colony) announced for the Cardinal. Shittu committed to Stanford early before opening up the process. Darreus Rogers and Bryce Treggs are the only USC targets that have yet to announce. They'll announce within the next two hours on Fox Sports Prime Ticket.
4:38 p.m. -- Carson, Calif., wide receiver Darreus Rogers announced for USC over Arizona State and Oregon. Rogers had been committed to the Trojans for over a year, but recently opened up his recruitment before deciding to go back to the Trojans.
3:04 p.m. -- Stanford took another prospect that USC was going after, as defensive tackle Aziz Shittu (Atwater, Calif./Buhach Colony) announced for the Cardinal. Shittu committed to Stanford early before opening up the process. Darreus Rogers and Bryce Treggs are the only USC targets that have yet to announce. They'll announce within the next two hours on Fox Sports Prime Ticket.
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Wide receiver Darreus Rogers (Carson, Calif./Carson) made fans of USC and Arizona State sweat it out to the end, but it was Trojans fans celebrating as Rogers announced Wednesday that he will sign with USC.
While he may have had the most questions surrounding him during this final week, Rogers is the longest standing commitment in USC’s 2012 recruiting class, verbally committing in January of 2011 and seeing it all the way through.
He took an official visit to Arizona State late in the process, but the USC coaches made Rogers a priority in this class and he is looking forward to earning the right to wear the No. 1 jersey at USC. He displayed his determination to do so with this commitment, as Arizona State offered a clear shot at immediate playing time. Rogers has made a point to already begin learning from USC receivers Robert Woods and Marqise Lee and has attended players-only throwing sessions.
While he may have had the most questions surrounding him during this final week, Rogers is the longest standing commitment in USC’s 2012 recruiting class, verbally committing in January of 2011 and seeing it all the way through.
He took an official visit to Arizona State late in the process, but the USC coaches made Rogers a priority in this class and he is looking forward to earning the right to wear the No. 1 jersey at USC. He displayed his determination to do so with this commitment, as Arizona State offered a clear shot at immediate playing time. Rogers has made a point to already begin learning from USC receivers Robert Woods and Marqise Lee and has attended players-only throwing sessions.
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Stanford's big national signing day continued, as defensive tackle Aziz Shittu (Atwater, Calif./Buhach Colony) chose Stanford, the school he originally committed to early in the process. Shittu picked Stanford despite a late push by USC, which impressed Shittu on an official visit to Los Angeles two weeks ago. California and UCLA were also finalists for Shittu.
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The Cardinal has gained one of the nation’s finest offensive tackles in ESPNU 150 prospect Kyle Murphy (San Clemente, Calif.). The 6-foot-6, 270-pound senior also seriously considered USC. California and Oregon were in the mix.
Auburn, Arizona State, Arizona, UCLA, Colorado, Florida, Notre Dame, Michigan, Duke, Nebraska, Oregon State, Utah, Washington, Washington State, Miami-FL and SMU also offered the NO. 27-rated player in the ESPNU 150.
Auburn, Arizona State, Arizona, UCLA, Colorado, Florida, Notre Dame, Michigan, Duke, Nebraska, Oregon State, Utah, Washington, Washington State, Miami-FL and SMU also offered the NO. 27-rated player in the ESPNU 150.
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Five-star Under Armour All-American offensive tackle Andrus Peat (Tempe, Ariz./Corona Del Sol) declared for Stanford Wednesday live on ESPN. Peat turned down the opportunity to play at Nebraska with his brother, Todd, a defense tackle. The Cardinal also topped Florida State and USC.
Arizona, UCLA, Colorado, LSU, North Carolina, Oregon State, Clemson, Washington, Kansas, Tennessee, Auburn, Arkansas, Arizona State, Florida, Notre Dame, Michigan, Texas, Alabama, Miami (Fla.)and Oregon also offered the 6-foot-7, 300-pound prospect.
Arizona, UCLA, Colorado, LSU, North Carolina, Oregon State, Clemson, Washington, Kansas, Tennessee, Auburn, Arkansas, Arizona State, Florida, Notre Dame, Michigan, Texas, Alabama, Miami (Fla.)and Oregon also offered the 6-foot-7, 300-pound prospect.
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A late offer didn’t stop defensive back Devian Shelton (Inglewood, Calif./Inglewood) from joining the USC recruiting class on Wednesday.
The former Oregon State commit announced during a morning ceremony at his school that he will be signing with the USC Trojans. Shelton popped up on the USC radar very late in the process, as he received a scholarship offer from the Trojans on Monday night. It was the offer Shelton had been hoping for, and his commitment comes as no surprise.
After securing a commitment from cornerback Kevon Seymour (Pasadena, Calif./Muir), the USC coaches set about reeling in a second cornerback in this class, eventually landing on Shelton and extending the offer.
At 6-foot-1 and 177 pounds, Shelton has the ability to play cornerback and safety at the next level, a skill that will not go underappreciated as the scholarship limitations go into effect.
The former Oregon State commit announced during a morning ceremony at his school that he will be signing with the USC Trojans. Shelton popped up on the USC radar very late in the process, as he received a scholarship offer from the Trojans on Monday night. It was the offer Shelton had been hoping for, and his commitment comes as no surprise.
After securing a commitment from cornerback Kevon Seymour (Pasadena, Calif./Muir), the USC coaches set about reeling in a second cornerback in this class, eventually landing on Shelton and extending the offer.
At 6-foot-1 and 177 pounds, Shelton has the ability to play cornerback and safety at the next level, a skill that will not go underappreciated as the scholarship limitations go into effect.
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Another commit flips to Meyer, Ohio State 
February, 1, 2012
2/01/12
10:17
AM PT
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Once again, Urban Meyer added a solid piece to Ohio State’s 2012 recruiting class at the expense of a Big Ten rival.
At an announcement at his school at 12:45 Wednesday, three-star Cleveland Heights offensive tackle Kyle Dodson flipped his commitment to Ohio State from Wisconsin. The Badgers were hardly a consideration as Dodson chose the Buckeyes over Michigan State and USC.
The offensive line, specifically tackle, was a major need for the Buckeyes going into the class, and Meyer added three linemen previously committed to other schools. Dodson joins ESPNU 150 guard Joey O’Connor (former Penn State commit) and Taylor Decker (Notre Dame).
The Buckeyes, ranked in the top 10 of the ESPNU class rankings, have 25 commitments after adding four-star Jamal Marcus and Dodson on signing day.
At an announcement at his school at 12:45 Wednesday, three-star Cleveland Heights offensive tackle Kyle Dodson flipped his commitment to Ohio State from Wisconsin. The Badgers were hardly a consideration as Dodson chose the Buckeyes over Michigan State and USC.
The offensive line, specifically tackle, was a major need for the Buckeyes going into the class, and Meyer added three linemen previously committed to other schools. Dodson joins ESPNU 150 guard Joey O’Connor (former Penn State commit) and Taylor Decker (Notre Dame).
The Buckeyes, ranked in the top 10 of the ESPNU class rankings, have 25 commitments after adding four-star Jamal Marcus and Dodson on signing day.
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Nelson Agholor big pickup for Trojans
February, 1, 2012
2/01/12
9:19
AM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
After losing two wide receivers to transfers, the Trojans received a big boost at the position on Wednesday, when Nelson Agholor (Tampa/Berkeley Prep) announced on ESPNU that he will sign a letter of intent with USC.
Agholor is the No. 6-ranked receiver in the country and the No. 47 player overall. His recruitment came down to a final five of USC, Florida, Florida State, Notre Dame and Oklahoma, but his connection with the USC coaches and players proved too much for the local schools to overcome.
Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Agholor moved to the United States with his family when he was five years old. USC was the first school to offer the 6-foot-1, 180-pound athlete a scholarship, and Agholor’s relationship with assistant coach Monte Kiffin was essential in getting him in cardinal and gold.
Agholor is the No. 6-ranked receiver in the country and the No. 47 player overall. His recruitment came down to a final five of USC, Florida, Florida State, Notre Dame and Oklahoma, but his connection with the USC coaches and players proved too much for the local schools to overcome.
Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Agholor moved to the United States with his family when he was five years old. USC was the first school to offer the 6-foot-1, 180-pound athlete a scholarship, and Agholor’s relationship with assistant coach Monte Kiffin was essential in getting him in cardinal and gold.
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Southern Cal has won the seemingly wide open recruiting battle for Under Armour All-American athlete Nelson Agholor (Tampa, Fla./Berkeley). The 6-foot-1, 180-pound talent selected USC over Florida, Florida State, Notre Dame and Oklahoma on Wednesday on ESPN.
Auburn, South Florida, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Vanderbilt, Texas, Alabama, Miami-FL, Oregon, TCU and Tennessee also offered the nation’s No. 47-rated prospect in the ESPNU 150.
Auburn, South Florida, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Vanderbilt, Texas, Alabama, Miami-FL, Oregon, TCU and Tennessee also offered the nation’s No. 47-rated prospect in the ESPNU 150.
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Missing out on in-state talents such as Ellis McCarthy (Monrovia, Calif./Monrovia) and Arik Armstead (Elk Grove, Calif./Pleasant Grove) didn’t do much to slow the defensive line recruiting for this USC staff. They simply reached across the country to grab one of the nation’s best in Leonard Williams (Daytona Beach, Fla./Mainland).
Williams was one of the biggest risers in the final ESPNU 150, jumping to No. 50 overall and the No. 5 rated defensive tackle. At 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, Williams has the ability to play inside or outside along the line, although he has said that all schools are recruiting him as an end. Williams’ coach has said that the young man is still growing, which could eventually lead to him playing tackle.
Born in Los Angeles, Williams moved to Florida seven years ago, but grew up watching the Trojans and calls Troy Polamalu one of his favorite players.
Williams committed to USC over Florida, Florida State and Auburn and will give the Trojans a huge presence on their defensive line. His commitment also serves as another example of the reach this USC coaching staff has into Florida and their ability to close in a big way down the stretch.
Williams was one of the biggest risers in the final ESPNU 150, jumping to No. 50 overall and the No. 5 rated defensive tackle. At 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, Williams has the ability to play inside or outside along the line, although he has said that all schools are recruiting him as an end. Williams’ coach has said that the young man is still growing, which could eventually lead to him playing tackle.
Born in Los Angeles, Williams moved to Florida seven years ago, but grew up watching the Trojans and calls Troy Polamalu one of his favorite players.
Williams committed to USC over Florida, Florida State and Auburn and will give the Trojans a huge presence on their defensive line. His commitment also serves as another example of the reach this USC coaching staff has into Florida and their ability to close in a big way down the stretch.
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Under Armour All-American defensive tackle Leonard Williams (Daytona Beach, Fla./Mainlaind) signed with USC on Wednesday. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound four-star also considered Auburn, Florida and Florida State.
He took official visits to The Plains (Oct. 14), Tallahassee (Jan. 13), Southern Cal (Jan. 20) and Gainesville (Jan. 23).
He took official visits to The Plains (Oct. 14), Tallahassee (Jan. 13), Southern Cal (Jan. 20) and Gainesville (Jan. 23).
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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.