Armond Armstead plans grad classes at SC 
January, 18, 2012
1/18/12
4:29
PM PT
By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
Armond Armstead has announced that he will be enrolling at USC for the spring semester to take graduate school courses, according to multiple media reports.
According to a story on SacBee.com, Armstead still intends to transfer to another university in the fall (Notre Dame and Auburn were mentioned) to play his final season of college football, or he could also declare for the NFL supplemental draft.
This is the latest strange twist in the Armstead saga when it comes to USC. Armstead had graduated from USC last month, but had declared his intention to transfer to another school after the USC doctors did not medically clear him for the 2011 season. Armstead claims that he is “just fine” but has yet to be cleared by USC doctors.
According to a story on SacBee.com, Armstead still intends to transfer to another university in the fall (Notre Dame and Auburn were mentioned) to play his final season of college football, or he could also declare for the NFL supplemental draft.
This is the latest strange twist in the Armstead saga when it comes to USC. Armstead had graduated from USC last month, but had declared his intention to transfer to another school after the USC doctors did not medically clear him for the 2011 season. Armstead claims that he is “just fine” but has yet to be cleared by USC doctors.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
It’s become apparent at this point that the USC coaches would prefer to add a second cornerback in this class.
One of the realities of the scholarship reductions is that there will be certain positions where tough choices will have to be made -- the coaches may want to add a player for depth purposes but have to weigh the importance of the choice against the limited scholarships available.
The ability to bring in a second corner in this class was one of those decisions. There was a pretty good sense all along that Kevon Seymour (Pasadena, Calif./Muir) was a solid lean to the Trojans and it would have been understandable if the coaches had decided to place all of their eggs in that basket.
One of the realities of the scholarship reductions is that there will be certain positions where tough choices will have to be made -- the coaches may want to add a player for depth purposes but have to weigh the importance of the choice against the limited scholarships available.
The ability to bring in a second corner in this class was one of those decisions. There was a pretty good sense all along that Kevon Seymour (Pasadena, Calif./Muir) was a solid lean to the Trojans and it would have been understandable if the coaches had decided to place all of their eggs in that basket.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil talks with WeAreSC’s Kyle Williams about how his training for the NFL Draft has been going and what he likes to do in his spare time.
I get paid to go to football games. It beats digging ditches for a living.
Some games, however, are better than others, mostly because of the location and magnitude of the game. So here are my top-six game-day environments from 2011.
1. Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Wisconsin: Not much to say here. It's the Rose Bowl. All the other ESPN.com bloggers are doing lists, but they are playing for No. 2 because the Rose Bowl is the most righteous sports atmosphere in all the world. Other than the World Cup final.
2. Stanford at USC, Oct. 29: An instant classic. Two high-quality teams with super-elite quarterbacks going blow for for blow until it was decided in Stanford's favor in triple-overtime. And with 93,607 on hand, it was an old-school crowd at the Coliseum.
3. Oregon vs. LSU, Cowboys Stadium: Cowboys Stadium is the ultimate statement of sporting excess, which is to say it's awesome. And this was a rare season-opener matching top-five teams from the two best conferences over the past decade or so. And it would have been a good game if we could have made the third quarter disappear, eh Ducks?
4. Arizona State at Oregon, Oct. 15: Went to Autzen Stadium three times this season, and this was the best atmosphere. Crowd of 60,055 was a stadium record, and they were thrilled when backup quarterback Bryan Bennett came off the bench for an injured Darron Thomas to lead the Ducks to 17 unanswered points in a come-from-behind 41-27 win.
5. Oregon at Stanford, Nov. 11: I did not attend this game, but here's what Stanford blogger Kevin Gemmel had to say: "The Cardinal faithful packed Stanford Stadium for arguably the biggest game in school history that ultimately ended with a resounding thud. The pregame atmosphere was phenomenal. But as it became more apparent the Cardinal were not going to win, the once excitable, sellout crowd became placid and subdued. Great atmosphere, but only for about a quarter and change."
6. Missouri at Arizona State, Sept. 9: Many have forgotten how well the Sun Devils started the season. This 37-30 overtime win on ESPN was played in front of a packed house at Sun Devil Stadium -- 70,236 -- and just about everyone was wearing black for a "blackout." Might have been quarterback Brock Osweiler's best game.
Some games, however, are better than others, mostly because of the location and magnitude of the game. So here are my top-six game-day environments from 2011.
1. Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Wisconsin: Not much to say here. It's the Rose Bowl. All the other ESPN.com bloggers are doing lists, but they are playing for No. 2 because the Rose Bowl is the most righteous sports atmosphere in all the world. Other than the World Cup final.
2. Stanford at USC, Oct. 29: An instant classic. Two high-quality teams with super-elite quarterbacks going blow for for blow until it was decided in Stanford's favor in triple-overtime. And with 93,607 on hand, it was an old-school crowd at the Coliseum.
3. Oregon vs. LSU, Cowboys Stadium: Cowboys Stadium is the ultimate statement of sporting excess, which is to say it's awesome. And this was a rare season-opener matching top-five teams from the two best conferences over the past decade or so. And it would have been a good game if we could have made the third quarter disappear, eh Ducks?
4. Arizona State at Oregon, Oct. 15: Went to Autzen Stadium three times this season, and this was the best atmosphere. Crowd of 60,055 was a stadium record, and they were thrilled when backup quarterback Bryan Bennett came off the bench for an injured Darron Thomas to lead the Ducks to 17 unanswered points in a come-from-behind 41-27 win.
5. Oregon at Stanford, Nov. 11: I did not attend this game, but here's what Stanford blogger Kevin Gemmel had to say: "The Cardinal faithful packed Stanford Stadium for arguably the biggest game in school history that ultimately ended with a resounding thud. The pregame atmosphere was phenomenal. But as it became more apparent the Cardinal were not going to win, the once excitable, sellout crowd became placid and subdued. Great atmosphere, but only for about a quarter and change."
6. Missouri at Arizona State, Sept. 9: Many have forgotten how well the Sun Devils started the season. This 37-30 overtime win on ESPN was played in front of a packed house at Sun Devil Stadium -- 70,236 -- and just about everyone was wearing black for a "blackout." Might have been quarterback Brock Osweiler's best game.
Cleveland Wallace still committed but...
January, 18, 2012
1/18/12
7:34
AM PT
By Greg Biggins | ESPN.com
Cleveland Wallace (San Jose, Calif./Oak Grove) was an early commit to Oregon State and although still solid with the Beavers, the cornerback took an official visit to Washington last weekend.
The timing of Wallace’s visit to UW was ironic in that he set up the visit a day before learning that his former position coach at Oregon State, Keith Heyward, had just accepted the DB job with the Huskies.
“I’ve been talking with Washington for a while actually,” Wallace said. “One of my real good friends, Scott Lawyer, is a freshman linebacker there and he bas been telling me I need to come and take a visit. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take any more visits, but last Wednesday I decided I would visit.
The timing of Wallace’s visit to UW was ironic in that he set up the visit a day before learning that his former position coach at Oregon State, Keith Heyward, had just accepted the DB job with the Huskies.
“I’ve been talking with Washington for a while actually,” Wallace said. “One of my real good friends, Scott Lawyer, is a freshman linebacker there and he bas been telling me I need to come and take a visit. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take any more visits, but last Wednesday I decided I would visit.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Tracy Howard (Miramar, Fla./Miramar), the nation's top-ranked cornerback, took an official visit to USC over the weekend.
"It was a good trip and a chance to see California, because I've never been there before," Howard said. "I liked the school and the football program.
"It's a long ways away from home, but it's a good place to go."
"It was a good trip and a chance to see California, because I've never been there before," Howard said. "I liked the school and the football program.
"It's a long ways away from home, but it's a good place to go."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Leonard Williams loves FSU visit; USC next
January, 18, 2012
1/18/12
7:27
AM PT
By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
ESPNU 150 defensive end Leonard Williams (Daytona Beach, Fla./Mainland) took his official visit to Florida State this weekend and left with a new outlook on his recruitment.
Going into the visit, Williams had Auburn and Florida at the top of his list. Now he says there are no favorites.
"I don't think it's right to list a favorite right now," Williams said. "I loved my visit at Florida State and I was really impressed with the coaches and how much the coaches and players interacted.
Going into the visit, Williams had Auburn and Florida at the top of his list. Now he says there are no favorites.
"I don't think it's right to list a favorite right now," Williams said. "I loved my visit at Florida State and I was really impressed with the coaches and how much the coaches and players interacted.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Mora set to bring a new vibe to Bruins
January, 17, 2012
1/17/12
9:00
AM PT
By
Kyle Williams | ESPN.com
LOS ANGELES -- The Trojans went 4-0 against UCLA when Rick Neuheisel was the head coach of the Bruins, but USC will be facing a different UCLA team on Nov. 17, when it faces Jim L. Mora Jr. for the first time.
UCLA hired Mora, who had been working as an NFL analyst the past two seasons. But it wasn’t his TV personality that landed him the job.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Kiffin needs speed from his WR corps
January, 17, 2012
1/17/12
8:00
AM PT
By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
LOS ANGELES -- There is a new era underway at the USC receiver position and it revolves around speed and the ability to make plays.
For as long as Lane Kiffin has been associated with the Trojans -- both as an assistant coach and head coach -- he has recruited and played “big” receivers such as Mike Williams and Dwayne Jarrett. Kiffin seemed to know how to use the bigger receivers, especially in complement with a “smaller” receiver on the other side such as Keary Colbert or Steve Smith.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Ellis McCarthy flips from Cal to UCLA
January, 16, 2012
1/16/12
11:05
PM PT
By Greg Biggins | ESPN.com
It definitely was a rough day for the Cal Bears.
Not only did they lose their defensive line coach and best recruiter, Tosh Lupoi, they lost one of their top recruits as well when defensive tackle Ellis McCarthy flipped from the Bears to UCLA Monday night.
Ed McCarthy, father of Ellis, responded via text with a simple, ‘Yes, Ellis committed to UCLA tonight,’ when questioned about the rumored switch.
Not only did they lose their defensive line coach and best recruiter, Tosh Lupoi, they lost one of their top recruits as well when defensive tackle Ellis McCarthy flipped from the Bears to UCLA Monday night.
Ed McCarthy, father of Ellis, responded via text with a simple, ‘Yes, Ellis committed to UCLA tonight,’ when questioned about the rumored switch.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Alex Loeb and ESPN’s recruiting experts give you the latest on a top JUCO prospect, Maryland WR Stefon Diggs, top rated CB Tracy Howard, and Ohio State and Stanford picking up recruiting momentum as the countdown to signing day speeds up.
Nelson Agholor visits FSU; one visit left
January, 16, 2012
1/16/12
12:48
PM PT
By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
ESPNU 150 athlete Nelson Agholor (Tampa, Fla./Berkeley Prep) had great things to say about his official visit to Florida State.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior has his final official scheduled for Jan. 27-28 at USC.
"I had a good trip and a good opportunity to talk with Coach [Jimbo] Fisher and Coach [Lawrence] Dawsey," Agholor said. "They are good coaches and good people."
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior has his final official scheduled for Jan. 27-28 at USC.
"I had a good trip and a good opportunity to talk with Coach [Jimbo] Fisher and Coach [Lawrence] Dawsey," Agholor said. "They are good coaches and good people."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Lupoi's move could affect 2012 class
January, 16, 2012
1/16/12
12:27
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
California was on the way to putting together to top recruiting class in the conference this year when the Pac-12 recruiting game was turned on its head Monday morning, as Golden Bears ace recruiter and defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi left California and headed north to join the Washington Huskies.
Lupoi was cited as a big reason by just about every commit that chose the Golden Bears, and it will be very interesting to see the fallout from his move. Washington is obviously the biggest winner. The Huskies took a big hit when their top recruiter -- defensive backs coach Demetrice Martin -- left for UCLA this offseason, but adding Lupoi has the Huskies back on their feet.
Lupoi was cited as a big reason by just about every commit that chose the Golden Bears, and it will be very interesting to see the fallout from his move. Washington is obviously the biggest winner. The Huskies took a big hit when their top recruiter -- defensive backs coach Demetrice Martin -- left for UCLA this offseason, but adding Lupoi has the Huskies back on their feet.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
It’s not too often that there are as many roster changes in one week in college football team as the USC Trojans saw last week.
There were five transfer departures confirmed in RB Amir Carlisle, WR Brice Butler, WR Kyle Prater, DB T.J. Bryant and DB Patrick Hall. There was also an incoming transfer announced with former Florida safety Josh Shaw, who enrolled at USC in time for the spring semester.
Carlisle was the biggest surprise of the group. There weren’t any previously known issues with Carlisle, and his future was thought to be bright within the USC offense. He was a shifty runner with good speed, excellent hands and a surprising amount of toughness in his running style.
There were five transfer departures confirmed in RB Amir Carlisle, WR Brice Butler, WR Kyle Prater, DB T.J. Bryant and DB Patrick Hall. There was also an incoming transfer announced with former Florida safety Josh Shaw, who enrolled at USC in time for the spring semester.
Carlisle was the biggest surprise of the group. There weren’t any previously known issues with Carlisle, and his future was thought to be bright within the USC offense. He was a shifty runner with good speed, excellent hands and a surprising amount of toughness in his running style.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
USC hosted athlete D.J Foster (Scottsdale, Ariz./Saguaro) over the weekend. There were some rumors that Foster may have actually committed to the Trojans and although the athlete denied that, USC definitely made up a lot of ground.
Foster had previously tripped to Arizona State, California and Oregon. He eliminated the Ducks and had been a heavy Golden Bears lean until recently. ASU, the early leader, was out temporarily following former coach Dennis Erickson’s firing, but has made a strong late run. Heading in to the visit with USC, Cal and ASU were tied at the top of his board.
“I didn’t commit but USC definitely moved up a lot, I had a great visit there,” Foster said. “Right now, it’s really a toss up between SC, Cal and ASU, they’re all tied at the top and I have a lot of thinking to do. I think what stood out were the people I met there. The coaches and players were both really cool, the campus is beautiful and I like the offense a lot.
Foster had previously tripped to Arizona State, California and Oregon. He eliminated the Ducks and had been a heavy Golden Bears lean until recently. ASU, the early leader, was out temporarily following former coach Dennis Erickson’s firing, but has made a strong late run. Heading in to the visit with USC, Cal and ASU were tied at the top of his board.
“I didn’t commit but USC definitely moved up a lot, I had a great visit there,” Foster said. “Right now, it’s really a toss up between SC, Cal and ASU, they’re all tied at the top and I have a lot of thinking to do. I think what stood out were the people I met there. The coaches and players were both really cool, the campus is beautiful and I like the offense a lot.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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.