In this episode of RecruitingNation 411, we focus on the defensive side of the ball in the 2013 recruiting class. Our experts tell you which prospects are primed to be the stars of the class, and which ones have already given a verbal commitment.
USC head coach Lane Kiffin has done an unbelievable job stockpiling talent at the wide receiver position. From All-America candidates Robert Woods and Marqise Lee to true freshmen Nelson Agholor and Darreus Rogers, this group can go toe-to-toe with any in the country. But Kiffin may have saved his best recruiting pitch for a guy who will be at all the receiver meetings and won't catch a single pass this season.
Two Sundays ago, the USC Trojans sat without a receivers coach and Kentucky passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach Tee Martin sat in church.
"My grandmother raised me to know that God answers prayers," Martin said with a smile. "I had just walked out of church when I got the text message that Coach Kiffin wanted to interview me. I had just prayed about some things and it happened that fast."
Two Sundays ago, the USC Trojans sat without a receivers coach and Kentucky passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach Tee Martin sat in church.
"My grandmother raised me to know that God answers prayers," Martin said with a smile. "I had just walked out of church when I got the text message that Coach Kiffin wanted to interview me. I had just prayed about some things and it happened that fast."
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LOS ANGELES -- The Trojans held a throwing session on Tuesday following their team conditioning session. Here are some highlights:
* Wes Horton spent a lot of time working with Greg Townsend on technique during drills
* First-unit lines were Kevin Graf, John Martinez, Khaled Holmes, Abe Markowitz, Aundrey Walker (Marcus Martin had left early) on offense, with Devon Kennard, Cody Temple, J.R. Tavai and Horton on defense. (George Uko had left early)
* Wes Horton spent a lot of time working with Greg Townsend on technique during drills
* First-unit lines were Kevin Graf, John Martinez, Khaled Holmes, Abe Markowitz, Aundrey Walker (Marcus Martin had left early) on offense, with Devon Kennard, Cody Temple, J.R. Tavai and Horton on defense. (George Uko had left early)
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Go behind the scenes with USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil to see how he trains for the NFL combine.
Jason O. Watson/US PresswireInjuries and off-the-field issues made Marc Tyler's USC career a frenetic one, but the running back leaves the school with a degree and a sense of perspective he hopes to carry over into an NFL career.One of the more intriguing USC prospects at the upcoming NFL combine will be tailback Marc Tyler. At this point a year ago, Tyler was the projected senior starter who was expected to power the Trojans run game. A big back with the ability to run between the tackles, Tyler was looking forward to a banner year.
However, an early-season suspension due to alcohol-related issue and a mid-season shoulder injury changed those plans, and Tyler was limited to a secondary role in 2011. He did have a pair of 100-yard rushing games -- with a season-high of 149 yards on 22 carries against Arizona State -- and finished 2011 with 568 yards rushing on 122 carries (4.7 yards per carry) and four touchdowns.
Tyler totaled 1,751 yards on 334 carries with 15 touchdowns in his USC career. He led the Trojans in rushing in 2010 with 913 yards and had a single-game career high that season against Arizona with 160 yards on 31 carries.
WeAreSC caught up with Tyler as he prepares for the NFL combine, which begins Wednesday in Indianapolis, Indiana.
WeAreSC: Talk about your combine training.
Tyler: I’ve been up here in Westlake at Proactive. Rhett (Ellison) and Marshall (Jones) are also up here. There are a couple guys from UCLA, Derrick Coleman and Sean Westgate. Loni (Fangupo) has been here too. All the NFL guys have been coming in now, guys like Clay Matthews.
It’s really been a lot of explosive training, combine stuff. We get on the field and run, do 10s and 20s, and then we lift. It’s just basically focusing on those areas. I’m in real good shape right now, they have us on a food plan and I’ve lost like nine pounds since the Shrine game. I’m down to 221 pounds.
Hutchings takes a close look at Cal 
February, 20, 2012
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Mitch Sherman | ESPN.com
California linebacker Michael Hutchings of powerhouse Concord De Le Salle visited Cal Saturday for the Bears’ junior day to get a feel for coach Jeff Tedford’s staff.
Until recently, much of Hutchings’ contact with Cal went through former defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi, a ex-De La Salle standout who left Berkeley for Washington in January. Hutchings, an ESPNU Watch List member, met Lupoi as a high school freshman.
Still, the depature of Cal’s ace recruiter had a minimal impact on Hutchings’ view of the Bears.
Until recently, much of Hutchings’ contact with Cal went through former defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi, a ex-De La Salle standout who left Berkeley for Washington in January. Hutchings, an ESPNU Watch List member, met Lupoi as a high school freshman.
Still, the depature of Cal’s ace recruiter had a minimal impact on Hutchings’ view of the Bears.
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Lawson wants to prove he's versatile
February, 19, 2012
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Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Defensive end Carl Lawson of Alpharetta (Ga.) Milton High School wants to make one thing clear: He isn't just a hand-on-the-ground player.
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound junior has been working on dropping into coverage and rushing the passer from an outside linebacker spot, and he said it's something he's eager to prove he's capable of doing in summer camps and throughout his upcoming senior season.
"I know people have misconceptions about me whether or not I can stand up or possibly play that outside linebacker position," Lawson said after participating in Florida's junior day. "I've been practicing."
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound junior has been working on dropping into coverage and rushing the passer from an outside linebacker spot, and he said it's something he's eager to prove he's capable of doing in summer camps and throughout his upcoming senior season.
"I know people have misconceptions about me whether or not I can stand up or possibly play that outside linebacker position," Lawson said after participating in Florida's junior day. "I've been practicing."
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ESPNU 150 Watch List OL Lopez getting ready
February, 18, 2012
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Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
One of the top offensive line recruits in the state of California for the class of 2013 is expected to be John Lopez from Orange Lutheran (Calif.) High School.
Lopez (6-foot-5, 315 pounds) is a two-year starter at offensive guard for an Orange Lutheran team that plays in the tough Trinity League, so he has faced some quality competition in his career. Lopez received his first scholarship offer as a sophomore from then-UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel, and he has added recent offers from Florida State and Colorado as well. Lopez has already received interest from Washington, Nebraska and Wisconsin, with Alabama also making contact, and attended the recent junior day at USC.
Lopez was in attendance on Saturday at the Asante Trenchmen Academy camp at Santa Fe Springs (Calif.) St. Paul High School as he begins the all-important spring camp and combine circuit.
Lopez (6-foot-5, 315 pounds) is a two-year starter at offensive guard for an Orange Lutheran team that plays in the tough Trinity League, so he has faced some quality competition in his career. Lopez received his first scholarship offer as a sophomore from then-UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel, and he has added recent offers from Florida State and Colorado as well. Lopez has already received interest from Washington, Nebraska and Wisconsin, with Alabama also making contact, and attended the recent junior day at USC.
Lopez was in attendance on Saturday at the Asante Trenchmen Academy camp at Santa Fe Springs (Calif.) St. Paul High School as he begins the all-important spring camp and combine circuit.
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Burks anxious for a return to action
February, 17, 2012
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Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
There might not be a player on the USC roster who is more anxious for spring ball to start than Charles Burks.
The redshirt freshman defensive end has shown his enthusiasm for USC football ever since he accepted the scholarship offer from the Trojans. Burks endeared himself to USC fans by making the drive from his Orange County home for every spring ball practice in 2011 and had no problem accepting a position switch to fullback last fall, even though his background was primarily as a pass-rushing defensive end.
The coaches took a quick look at him in camp last August on offense but to put him back on defense after a couple of weeks. Burks quickly made his presence felt with a multi-sack performance in one of his first sessions, but just as quickly was out of action with a knee injury that would require surgery and sideline him for the season.
The redshirt freshman defensive end has shown his enthusiasm for USC football ever since he accepted the scholarship offer from the Trojans. Burks endeared himself to USC fans by making the drive from his Orange County home for every spring ball practice in 2011 and had no problem accepting a position switch to fullback last fall, even though his background was primarily as a pass-rushing defensive end.
The coaches took a quick look at him in camp last August on offense but to put him back on defense after a couple of weeks. Burks quickly made his presence felt with a multi-sack performance in one of his first sessions, but just as quickly was out of action with a knee injury that would require surgery and sideline him for the season.
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At 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, Joshua Shaw has a lot of options when it comes to lining up in the secondary for the Trojans.
The transfer from Florida is settling in nicely after transferring to USC at the spring semester. Shaw is going through winter conditioning drills with the team in preparation for spring ball and those drills include voluntary throwing sessions where Shaw has been lining up primarily at cornerback.
“I’m feeling more comfortable right now,” Shaw said. “Everyone has really welcomed me here and that’s made things easier. The coaches haven’t really told me which spot I’ll be playing, they just said they like what I bring to the table and we’ll figure it out later.”
The transfer from Florida is settling in nicely after transferring to USC at the spring semester. Shaw is going through winter conditioning drills with the team in preparation for spring ball and those drills include voluntary throwing sessions where Shaw has been lining up primarily at cornerback.
“I’m feeling more comfortable right now,” Shaw said. “Everyone has really welcomed me here and that’s made things easier. The coaches haven’t really told me which spot I’ll be playing, they just said they like what I bring to the table and we’ll figure it out later.”
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Temple healthy, excited about move
February, 17, 2012
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Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
LOS ANGELES -- Several players from USC’s 2011 recruiting class stepped right into important roles as true freshmen. But for every Marqise Lee, Lamar Dawson and Marcus Martin, there were several first-year players who took a redshirt as the Trojans looked to build depth for the future.
While many of the unused players remained highly visible during practice, such as quarterbacks Cody Kessler and Max Wittek, defensive end Greg Townsend Jr. and linebacker Anthony Sarao, others blended in to varying degrees and a few -- most notably offensive lineman Cody Temple -- seemed to disappear altogether.
Temple was a two-way lineman out of Bakersfield (Calif.) Liberty High School who surprised some by appearing on USC’s radar and eventually earning a scholarship offer. He was a lifelong USC fan that was hoping to do big things for the Trojans. But back pain that he has been dealing with since the eighth grade quickly derailed those plans, as Temple took part in only a handful of practices throughout the year and never truly threatened to make a mark on the depth chart.
But several months removed from the 2011 season, Temple is ready to turn the page on a tumultuous freshman year, as the lessons he learned off the field could go a long way toward helping him make an impact on it.
While many of the unused players remained highly visible during practice, such as quarterbacks Cody Kessler and Max Wittek, defensive end Greg Townsend Jr. and linebacker Anthony Sarao, others blended in to varying degrees and a few -- most notably offensive lineman Cody Temple -- seemed to disappear altogether.
Temple was a two-way lineman out of Bakersfield (Calif.) Liberty High School who surprised some by appearing on USC’s radar and eventually earning a scholarship offer. He was a lifelong USC fan that was hoping to do big things for the Trojans. But back pain that he has been dealing with since the eighth grade quickly derailed those plans, as Temple took part in only a handful of practices throughout the year and never truly threatened to make a mark on the depth chart.
But several months removed from the 2011 season, Temple is ready to turn the page on a tumultuous freshman year, as the lessons he learned off the field could go a long way toward helping him make an impact on it.
Here's the official USC press release on the hiring of Hazelton and Sanders:
MARVIN SANDERS, SCOTTIE HAZELTON NAMED USC FOOTBALL ASSISTANT COACHES
LOS ANGELES¬-Marvin Sanders and Scottie Hazelton, who both have served as defensive coordinators at previous coaching stops, have been named assistant football coaches at USC, Trojans head coach Lane Kiffin announced on Thursday.
Sanders will be USC’s secondary coach, while Hazelton will coach the Trojans linebackers.
“We are delighted to add Marvin and Scottie to the Trojan Family,” said Kiffin. “Both not only have made their marks while coaching their respective positions, but both have been collegiate defensive coordinators and that should help us tremendously.
“Marvin had great success coaching the defensive backs at Nebraska and we believe that will translate well to our secondary, which is the most critical area we need to improve upon in 2012. Scottie is coming to us after helping North Dakota State win the NCAA FCS championship and coordinating a defense that led the nation in scoring defense in 2011, after it was 90th in that category before he took it over just 2 years ago.”
Kiffin expects to announce another assistant coach hiring soon.
MARVIN SANDERS, SCOTTIE HAZELTON NAMED USC FOOTBALL ASSISTANT COACHES
LOS ANGELES¬-Marvin Sanders and Scottie Hazelton, who both have served as defensive coordinators at previous coaching stops, have been named assistant football coaches at USC, Trojans head coach Lane Kiffin announced on Thursday.
Sanders will be USC’s secondary coach, while Hazelton will coach the Trojans linebackers.
“We are delighted to add Marvin and Scottie to the Trojan Family,” said Kiffin. “Both not only have made their marks while coaching their respective positions, but both have been collegiate defensive coordinators and that should help us tremendously.
“Marvin had great success coaching the defensive backs at Nebraska and we believe that will translate well to our secondary, which is the most critical area we need to improve upon in 2012. Scottie is coming to us after helping North Dakota State win the NCAA FCS championship and coordinating a defense that led the nation in scoring defense in 2011, after it was 90th in that category before he took it over just 2 years ago.”
Kiffin expects to announce another assistant coach hiring soon.
Trojans win big with Tee Martin hire
February, 16, 2012
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Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
With Lane Kiffin serving as the head coach, the USC Trojans didn't need to make a splashy wide receivers coach hire. Kiffin keeps a close watch over the position during practices and has more experience coaching that particular position than any other.
With Ed Orgeron and Monte Kiffin on the staff, the USC Trojans didn't need to add a dynamic recruiting personality that could tap into the rich Southeast recruiting ground. Orgeron has roots in Louisiana and Mississippi, and Kiffin is still a big brand name in Florida.
But the USC Trojans found a way to do both on Wednesday night, hiring former Kentucky passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach Tee Martin as the new wide receivers coach.
With Ed Orgeron and Monte Kiffin on the staff, the USC Trojans didn't need to add a dynamic recruiting personality that could tap into the rich Southeast recruiting ground. Orgeron has roots in Louisiana and Mississippi, and Kiffin is still a big brand name in Florida.
But the USC Trojans found a way to do both on Wednesday night, hiring former Kentucky passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach Tee Martin as the new wide receivers coach.
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AP Photo/Chris PizzelloThought to be a throw-in when he was recruited, Chad Morton made a big impact at USC, most notably calling his shot against UCLA in 1999 to break an eight-game losing streak to the Bruins.WeAreSC staffers discuss the biggest surprise performances through the years by USC tailbacks -- either for a season, a career, or a single game -- that were somewhat unexpected.
Garry Paskwietz
Steve Webster -- In his first three years at USC, Webster only appeared in one game due to a series of injuries and things didn’t look much brighter in 1987 with a pair of highly decorated prep All-American tailbacks on the roster in Ryan Knight and Aaron Emanuel. During spring ball, however, the speedy Webster won the job and ended up being a 1,000-yard rusher for a team that won the Pac-10 title and played in the Rose Bowl. Of course, history caught up to Webster, as he was forced to miss the bowl game due to injury.
Chad Morton -- There were plenty of critics who pointed out the reasons why Morton wouldn’t be a tailback at USC. He was too short. He was a corner. He was only on the team because of his brother (former All-American WR Johnnie Morton). He heard all the reasons why he shouldn’t succeed and then he simply went out and did it. A two-year starter, he rushed for over 1,000 yards as a senior and is currently No. 11 on the all-time USC career rushing list. In his final home game in the Coliseum -- a victory over UCLA in 1999 which snapped an eight game losing streak to the Bruins -- Morton was carried off the field by teammates and fans.
DE Joe Mathis hopes to visit OU in spring
February, 16, 2012
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Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
It’s not every day that junior defensive end Joe Mathis (Upland, Calif./Upland) picks up an offer from a high-profile college, but it sure feels that way.
Mathis, 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, has seen his offer total increase dramatically in the last week as powerhouse schools like Oklahoma, USC and Nebraska have been added to his list.
Last week, OU assistant coaches Tim Kish and Bobby Jack Wright called Upland High to let Mathis know he was being offered. A couple of hours later, the process was repeated with the Nebraska coaching staff.
Mathis, 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, has seen his offer total increase dramatically in the last week as powerhouse schools like Oklahoma, USC and Nebraska have been added to his list.
Last week, OU assistant coaches Tim Kish and Bobby Jack Wright called Upland High to let Mathis know he was being offered. A couple of hours later, the process was repeated with the Nebraska coaching staff.
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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.