Brice Butler gone to San Diego St. 
January, 11, 2012
1/11/12
6:06
PM PT
By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
It was the third departure this week for the USC Trojans as wide receiver Brice Butler announced that he would be transferring to San Diego State for his senior season.
The news was not unexpected -- Butler had been rumored for weeks to be looking around with the Aztecs and Kansas Jayhawks under consideration. Butler graduated from USC last month, which means he will be immediately eligible to play next year as a fifth-year senior.
The Trojans have been down this road with Butler. At this time last year Butler announced that he would be transferring, but he took the unusual step of staying enrolled as a student at USC for the spring semester. During that time, Butler became convinced that he wanted to stay, and he worked things out with coach Lane Kiffin to the point where he stayed and became a solid contributor in 2011 for the Trojans.
The news was not unexpected -- Butler had been rumored for weeks to be looking around with the Aztecs and Kansas Jayhawks under consideration. Butler graduated from USC last month, which means he will be immediately eligible to play next year as a fifth-year senior.
The Trojans have been down this road with Butler. At this time last year Butler announced that he would be transferring, but he took the unusual step of staying enrolled as a student at USC for the spring semester. During that time, Butler became convinced that he wanted to stay, and he worked things out with coach Lane Kiffin to the point where he stayed and became a solid contributor in 2011 for the Trojans.
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Shaw could be a strong addition for USC
January, 10, 2012
1/10/12
6:43
PM PT
By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
The Trojans picked up an unexpected addition on Tuesday when it was learned that former University of Florida safety Josh Shaw has decided to enroll at USC for the spring semester.
It had been reported last week that Shaw would be heading to UCLA, but he was unable to meet academic transfer requirements with the Bruins.
Shaw (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) played locally at Palmdale High School, and it was his former high school coach who confirmed that he would be transferring to USC.
It had been reported last week that Shaw would be heading to UCLA, but he was unable to meet academic transfer requirements with the Bruins.
Shaw (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) played locally at Palmdale High School, and it was his former high school coach who confirmed that he would be transferring to USC.
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With signing day less than a month away you would think top wide receiver Stefon Diggs (Olney, Md./Our Lady of Good Counsel) would be closing in on making his decision. Diggs, however, says he’s nowhere near ready to make a college choice.
“I don’t have a leader or top five or anything like that,” Diggs said Tuesday night. “I’m wide open, and I’m planning on waiting until after signing day to make my final decision.”
Diggs, ranked the No.10 player in the country by the ESPNU 150, will visit Auburn this weekend but said he’s not sure what his plans will be in the future.
“I don’t have a leader or top five or anything like that,” Diggs said Tuesday night. “I’m wide open, and I’m planning on waiting until after signing day to make my final decision.”
Diggs, ranked the No.10 player in the country by the ESPNU 150, will visit Auburn this weekend but said he’s not sure what his plans will be in the future.
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With just a few weeks to go before signing day, there is a lot going on and a lot of news coming out on some of the top prospects out west.
Arik Armstead (Elk Grove, Calif./Pleasant Grove) gave some thought to committing at the U.S Army All-American Bowl last weekend but decided to hold off. The buzz was if he did commit, Cal was the likely choice. A decision could still be around the corner and the family continues to mention Oregon and Notre Dame as having a real shot at this time as well.
Offensive lineman Zach Banner (Lakewood, Wash./Lakes) will visit USC but is still trying to figure out the date. His original plan was to visit this coming weekend (Jan. 13) and then commit the following Monday. Now Banner is saying he’ll likely visit (Jan. 20) and decide the following week. Oklahoma, Washington and USC are in his final three.
Arik Armstead (Elk Grove, Calif./Pleasant Grove) gave some thought to committing at the U.S Army All-American Bowl last weekend but decided to hold off. The buzz was if he did commit, Cal was the likely choice. A decision could still be around the corner and the family continues to mention Oregon and Notre Dame as having a real shot at this time as well.
Offensive lineman Zach Banner (Lakewood, Wash./Lakes) will visit USC but is still trying to figure out the date. His original plan was to visit this coming weekend (Jan. 13) and then commit the following Monday. Now Banner is saying he’ll likely visit (Jan. 20) and decide the following week. Oklahoma, Washington and USC are in his final three.
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The recruitment of Tee Shepard (Fresno, Calif./Washington Union) has been one of the most interesting to watch all year. Shepard committed early to Notre Dame, visited Arizona State and USC and reportedly gave the Trojans a very hard look.
This one now appears over, as the talented corner is headed to South Bend this weekend and will start classes for the Irish later this month as an early enrollee.
“I actually leave on Saturday,” Shepard said. “I’m so relieved this whole process is over. The past month has been stressful, and I had a lot of people pulling me in different directions. I stayed strong in the end, though, and I’m happy to be going with my first choice all along, which is Notre Dame.
This one now appears over, as the talented corner is headed to South Bend this weekend and will start classes for the Irish later this month as an early enrollee.
“I actually leave on Saturday,” Shepard said. “I’m so relieved this whole process is over. The past month has been stressful, and I had a lot of people pulling me in different directions. I stayed strong in the end, though, and I’m happy to be going with my first choice all along, which is Notre Dame.
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It's never too early to look ahead, and even if it is, it's not against the law or anything.
And so we have our way-too-early 2012 power rankings.
By the way, schedule does not factor into these. This is a projected pecking order based on where a team stands right now -- Jan. 10, 2012.
And, by the way No. 2, if you don't like where your team is in the way-too-early power rankings, then I'd suggest whining about it until you get to play better.
By the way No. 3, Nos. 1 & 2 were easy. The rest is pretty darn murky, not in small part due to four new coaches.
1. USC: The Trojans welcome back 19 starters from a top-five team, including quarterback Matt Barkley. They beat Oregon in Autzen Stadium on Nov. 19. USC might be the preseason No. 2. Or No. 3.
2. Oregon: The Ducks have a strong mix of talent coming back from a team that won the Rose Bowl, but it's not just about 16 returning starters. If you want a reason to favor the Ducks over the Trojans, it's depth. Oregon welcomes back most of its two-deep. By the way, old Ducks fans probably grin about the idea of their team having better depth than USC.
3. Utah: The Utes welcome back 18 starters, though replacing both offensive tackles will be a huge task this spring. The defense has a chance to be beastly. The key? Utah proved it can win eight games with poor-to-middling quarterback play. But does a healthy Jordan Wynn -- back to late 2009, early 2010 form -- mean 10 wins?
4. Stanford: Many will count out the Cardinal, post-Andrew Luck. The Pac-12 blog will not. The over-under with this team is eight wins. Two gigantic holes on the offensive line and at both safeties are major issues, as is quarterback.
5. Washington: The Huskies welcome back seven starters on both sides of the ball, including up-and-coming quarterback Keith Price. The question is how quickly the defense can improve under Justin Wilcox.
6. California: While Cal only welcomes back 11 starters, there's plenty of intriguing talent on the roster, particularly on defense. Will quarterback Zach Maynard take a step forward? And what about his receivers after Keenan Allen? The pressure is on Jeff Tedford to win inside a renovated Memorial Stadium in 2012. If things come together, he just might do that.
7. Arizona: The Wildcats have more potential than most realize, starting with five returning starters on the offensive line and three defensive starters returning from injury, as well as an experienced quarterback in Matt Scott, who looks like a nice fit for Rich Rodriguez's spread-option offense.
8. Washington State: With 18 starters back, I'll go ahead and type it: New coach Mike Leach will lead the Cougars to a bowl game. And, hopefully, someone tips their cap to former coach Paul Wulff for collecting some solid talent, including two quarterbacks, Jeff Tuel and Connor Halliday, who appear capable of flinging the rock as Leach likes to, as well as a potential All-American receiver in Marquess Wilson.
9. Oregon State: The Beavers could be a surprise team if all the young players who were inconsistent in 2011 grow up in 2012, starting with true freshman quarterback Sean Mannion. With 17 starters back, experience won't be an issue. But those returning players went 3-9, so it's difficult to project a top-half finish. At least, not at this point.
10. UCLA: New coach Jim Mora doesn't start with an empty cupboard -- 16 starters are back. But the overall talent is dubious and, even more challenging, Mora needs to rebuild a culture. Further, taking the Bruins back to a pro-style offense, if that's the ultimate plan, might be a struggle in Year 1. First question: Is Kevin Prince the quarterback, or does Mora go with talented redshirt freshman Brett Hundley?
11. Arizona State: The Sun Devils tumbled in these rankings when quarterback Brock Osweiler, curiously, opted to enter the NFL draft. With just 10 starters back, a quarterback with no real game experience -- whoever wins the job -- and a challenging locker room, new coach Todd Graham might find the going rough in Year 1.
12. Colorado: The Buffs welcome back 13 starters from a team that went 3-10 and ranked last in both scoring offense and scoring defense. The rebuilding job on offense, in particular, will be significant with the loss of quarterback Tyler Hansen, running back Rodney Stewart and receiver Toney Clemons. The rebuilding job in Boulder won't happen overnight-- or over two seasons -- for second-year coach Jon Embree.
And so we have our way-too-early 2012 power rankings.
By the way, schedule does not factor into these. This is a projected pecking order based on where a team stands right now -- Jan. 10, 2012.
And, by the way No. 2, if you don't like where your team is in the way-too-early power rankings, then I'd suggest whining about it until you get to play better.
By the way No. 3, Nos. 1 & 2 were easy. The rest is pretty darn murky, not in small part due to four new coaches.
1. USC: The Trojans welcome back 19 starters from a top-five team, including quarterback Matt Barkley. They beat Oregon in Autzen Stadium on Nov. 19. USC might be the preseason No. 2. Or No. 3.
2. Oregon: The Ducks have a strong mix of talent coming back from a team that won the Rose Bowl, but it's not just about 16 returning starters. If you want a reason to favor the Ducks over the Trojans, it's depth. Oregon welcomes back most of its two-deep. By the way, old Ducks fans probably grin about the idea of their team having better depth than USC.
3. Utah: The Utes welcome back 18 starters, though replacing both offensive tackles will be a huge task this spring. The defense has a chance to be beastly. The key? Utah proved it can win eight games with poor-to-middling quarterback play. But does a healthy Jordan Wynn -- back to late 2009, early 2010 form -- mean 10 wins?
4. Stanford: Many will count out the Cardinal, post-Andrew Luck. The Pac-12 blog will not. The over-under with this team is eight wins. Two gigantic holes on the offensive line and at both safeties are major issues, as is quarterback.
5. Washington: The Huskies welcome back seven starters on both sides of the ball, including up-and-coming quarterback Keith Price. The question is how quickly the defense can improve under Justin Wilcox.
6. California: While Cal only welcomes back 11 starters, there's plenty of intriguing talent on the roster, particularly on defense. Will quarterback Zach Maynard take a step forward? And what about his receivers after Keenan Allen? The pressure is on Jeff Tedford to win inside a renovated Memorial Stadium in 2012. If things come together, he just might do that.
7. Arizona: The Wildcats have more potential than most realize, starting with five returning starters on the offensive line and three defensive starters returning from injury, as well as an experienced quarterback in Matt Scott, who looks like a nice fit for Rich Rodriguez's spread-option offense.
8. Washington State: With 18 starters back, I'll go ahead and type it: New coach Mike Leach will lead the Cougars to a bowl game. And, hopefully, someone tips their cap to former coach Paul Wulff for collecting some solid talent, including two quarterbacks, Jeff Tuel and Connor Halliday, who appear capable of flinging the rock as Leach likes to, as well as a potential All-American receiver in Marquess Wilson.
9. Oregon State: The Beavers could be a surprise team if all the young players who were inconsistent in 2011 grow up in 2012, starting with true freshman quarterback Sean Mannion. With 17 starters back, experience won't be an issue. But those returning players went 3-9, so it's difficult to project a top-half finish. At least, not at this point.
10. UCLA: New coach Jim Mora doesn't start with an empty cupboard -- 16 starters are back. But the overall talent is dubious and, even more challenging, Mora needs to rebuild a culture. Further, taking the Bruins back to a pro-style offense, if that's the ultimate plan, might be a struggle in Year 1. First question: Is Kevin Prince the quarterback, or does Mora go with talented redshirt freshman Brett Hundley?
11. Arizona State: The Sun Devils tumbled in these rankings when quarterback Brock Osweiler, curiously, opted to enter the NFL draft. With just 10 starters back, a quarterback with no real game experience -- whoever wins the job -- and a challenging locker room, new coach Todd Graham might find the going rough in Year 1.
12. Colorado: The Buffs welcome back 13 starters from a team that went 3-10 and ranked last in both scoring offense and scoring defense. The rebuilding job on offense, in particular, will be significant with the loss of quarterback Tyler Hansen, running back Rodney Stewart and receiver Toney Clemons. The rebuilding job in Boulder won't happen overnight-- or over two seasons -- for second-year coach Jon Embree.
One of the top tight ends in the West region next year will likely be Riverside (Calif.) J.W North athlete Marcus Baugh. Baugh, who’s also a talented basketball player, has one offer on the table and an early top three.
Baugh, an ESPNU 150 Watch List member, had a solid junior season with 17 catches for 373 yards and four touchdowns. He started at linebacker as well and could play on either side of the ball in college.
UCLA was first to offer the athlete and offer No. 2 could be around the corner.
Baugh, an ESPNU 150 Watch List member, had a solid junior season with 17 catches for 373 yards and four touchdowns. He started at linebacker as well and could play on either side of the ball in college.
UCLA was first to offer the athlete and offer No. 2 could be around the corner.
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USC wide receiver Kyle Prater announced today via his twitter account (@DaReal_21) that he would be transferring.
“I will be transferring. I love my teammates, SC, my fans, athletic staff. Will always respect the coaches. God Bless.”
And so the offseason exodus continues. The fact that players are leaving isn't surprising -- there was going to be some roster attrition this offseason if the coaches hoped to meet the 75-man scholarship limit next fall. What was unclear, however, was how the spots were going to open up.
“I will be transferring. I love my teammates, SC, my fans, athletic staff. Will always respect the coaches. God Bless.”
And so the offseason exodus continues. The fact that players are leaving isn't surprising -- there was going to be some roster attrition this offseason if the coaches hoped to meet the 75-man scholarship limit next fall. What was unclear, however, was how the spots were going to open up.
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Four-star cornerback Tracy Howard (Miramar, Fla./Miramar) will visit USC this weekend, according to his mother, Shaiy Howard.
Howard, who is ranked in the ESPNU 150 as the No. 1 corner and the No. 18 player in the country, was also planning to visit Alabama before signing day, but that visit appears unlikely at this point.
Howard has already visited West Virginia and Florida State and is still planning to visit Florida and LSU before making a decision. Howard’s mother also said that her son’s last visit will likely be to LSU, but the visit dates are not firm.
Howard recently told HornsNation that Florida and LSU were his leaders.
Howard, who is ranked in the ESPNU 150 as the No. 1 corner and the No. 18 player in the country, was also planning to visit Alabama before signing day, but that visit appears unlikely at this point.
Howard has already visited West Virginia and Florida State and is still planning to visit Florida and LSU before making a decision. Howard’s mother also said that her son’s last visit will likely be to LSU, but the visit dates are not firm.
Howard recently told HornsNation that Florida and LSU were his leaders.
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Evaluating the Trojans' NFL rookies
January, 9, 2012
1/09/12
10:43
AM PT
By
Kyle Williams | ESPN.com
Tyron Smith (Dallas Cowboys) -- Taken in the first round, Smith became the second highest offensive lineman drafted by the Cowboys since 1966. The last offensive lineman drafted by the Cowboys from USC was Jacob Rodgers in the 2004 draft. Smith started all 16 games for Dallas and was one of the more reliable O-linemen on the team. Rumors have been circulating that because his consistent play, Smith would be moved to left tackle and Doug Free would be moved back over to right tackle.
Jurrell Casey (Tennessee Titans) -- As a rookie, Casey had a solid season for Tennessee. He started 15 out of 16 games this season, with his best game against Houston in the season finale. In that game he registered six total tackles, 1.5 sacks and was nominated for Pepsi’s NFL rookie of the week. Casey finished the season with 52 total tackles and 2.5 sacks.
Shareece Wright (San Diego Chargers) -- The rookie cornerback was activated for seven games, but only played in two. The best of those two games came against the Denver Broncos, where Wright had three solo tackles.
Jurrell Casey (Tennessee Titans) -- As a rookie, Casey had a solid season for Tennessee. He started 15 out of 16 games this season, with his best game against Houston in the season finale. In that game he registered six total tackles, 1.5 sacks and was nominated for Pepsi’s NFL rookie of the week. Casey finished the season with 52 total tackles and 2.5 sacks.
Shareece Wright (San Diego Chargers) -- The rookie cornerback was activated for seven games, but only played in two. The best of those two games came against the Denver Broncos, where Wright had three solo tackles.
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Tight end Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick (Rocklin, Calif./Whitney) had a busy weekend. He played in the Under Armour All-America Game last week, flew home on Friday and immediately jumped back on another plane to Los Angeles for an official visit to UCLA.
Cope-Fitzpatrick is a USC commit but has previously visited Oregon and will also check out Colorado next weekend.
“I liked it at UCLA a lot,” Cope-Fitzpatrick said. “I’ve been there before, but there’s a different vibe there now. I still feel like I need to get to know the staff better since everyone there is so new. They’re still filling spots and whole the staff isn’t complete yet. This was Coach Mora’s first time to the Rose Bowl, so I like I said, they’re new but I like them a lot, they’re all real good people. I think they’re going to get UCLA right.
Cope-Fitzpatrick is a USC commit but has previously visited Oregon and will also check out Colorado next weekend.
“I liked it at UCLA a lot,” Cope-Fitzpatrick said. “I’ve been there before, but there’s a different vibe there now. I still feel like I need to get to know the staff better since everyone there is so new. They’re still filling spots and whole the staff isn’t complete yet. This was Coach Mora’s first time to the Rose Bowl, so I like I said, they’re new but I like them a lot, they’re all real good people. I think they’re going to get UCLA right.
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Cope-Fitzpatrick enjoys UA Game experience
January, 8, 2012
1/08/12
2:07
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
Over the past season, Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick (Rocklin, Calif./Whitney) solidified his status among the top tight ends in the country. The USC commitment checks in as the No. 2 ranked player at the position in the ESPNU 150 and he was selected to participate in last week's Under Armour All-America Game. Several months after taking part in The Opening, Cope-Fitzpatrick was again surrounded by many of the top recruits in the country.
"It was great being around people like you -- other highly-touted recruits," Cope-Fitzpatrick said of the experience. "But guys are so different, being from all different parts of the country. After that first day though, everyone started to bond and we started feeling almost like a real team. We had each other's backs. I really enjoyed going through this experience with all of them."
Through Cope-Fitzpatrick's squad came out on the losing end, he authored one of the highlights of the night, grabbing a touchdown pass in the corner of the endzone.
"It was great being around people like you -- other highly-touted recruits," Cope-Fitzpatrick said of the experience. "But guys are so different, being from all different parts of the country. After that first day though, everyone started to bond and we started feeling almost like a real team. We had each other's backs. I really enjoyed going through this experience with all of them."
Through Cope-Fitzpatrick's squad came out on the losing end, he authored one of the highlights of the night, grabbing a touchdown pass in the corner of the endzone.
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Kevon Seymour (Pasadena, Calif./Muir) -- The biggest highlight on the day for Seymour was his verbal commitment to USC. The speedy two-way athlete found his way to the ball to help make a couple of tackles and was flagged for pass interference, which led to an East touchdown.
Ellis McCarthy (Monrovia, Calif./Monrovia) -- The big defensive tackle just knocked the air out of the Trojans coaching staff. McCarthy looked to be leaning towards USC, but announced that he will be taking his talents to California. But all is not lost for the Trojans, because they’ll have one more shot at McCarthy when he takes his official visit to USC in the next couple of weeks. McCarthy started the game at defensive tackle, and was moved to defensive end on the next series and would rotate at both positions throughout the game. He didn’t make any big-time plays and at times seemed to have trouble getting off blocks, but he did do enough to disrupt some reads by the running backs and was stout at the point of attack.
Max Tuerk (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif./Santa Margarita) -- The only USC commit on the offensive line, some see Tuerk battling for the left tackle job next fall, but he played right guard for the West the whole game. Tuerk looked comfortable at times lining up inside at guard and if he doesn’t get a starting role this season, he could very easily be competing for the utility man job on the line. Tuerk at time had trouble blocking up on the second level, but did make up for it at times with his physical play.
Ellis McCarthy (Monrovia, Calif./Monrovia) -- The big defensive tackle just knocked the air out of the Trojans coaching staff. McCarthy looked to be leaning towards USC, but announced that he will be taking his talents to California. But all is not lost for the Trojans, because they’ll have one more shot at McCarthy when he takes his official visit to USC in the next couple of weeks. McCarthy started the game at defensive tackle, and was moved to defensive end on the next series and would rotate at both positions throughout the game. He didn’t make any big-time plays and at times seemed to have trouble getting off blocks, but he did do enough to disrupt some reads by the running backs and was stout at the point of attack.
Max Tuerk (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif./Santa Margarita) -- The only USC commit on the offensive line, some see Tuerk battling for the left tackle job next fall, but he played right guard for the West the whole game. Tuerk looked comfortable at times lining up inside at guard and if he doesn’t get a starting role this season, he could very easily be competing for the utility man job on the line. Tuerk at time had trouble blocking up on the second level, but did make up for it at times with his physical play.
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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.