The defensive end position has been one of the more confounding spots for the USC coaches as they look to put together the class of 2012. Arik Armstead's decommitment left a huge hole at the spot that simply couldn't be filled by an in-state prospect. As a result, the USC coaches have set their sights on some top prospects from across the country. And in the case of Tyriq McCord (Tampa, Fla./Jefferson), way across the country.
McCord's final top five features four schools relatively close to home -- Georgia, Miami, South Carolina and Florida -- and one outlier -- USC. Although, the Trojans seem to be right in the hunt.
"Everybody knows from my top five or top six (schools) that USC is the best college I ever visited, and I explained that to them," McCord told ESPN HornsNation's William Wilkerson during Army Bowl practices. "I fell in love with the campus when I visited. I didn't really get too in depth with it -- that's why I am going to take an official (visit) there. The broadcast communication program is great. The tradition there -- they haven't changed their weight room at all -- I like that because it's a tradition, it's a legacy. So many people have gone through there and they haven't changed anything."
McCord's final top five features four schools relatively close to home -- Georgia, Miami, South Carolina and Florida -- and one outlier -- USC. Although, the Trojans seem to be right in the hunt.
"Everybody knows from my top five or top six (schools) that USC is the best college I ever visited, and I explained that to them," McCord told ESPN HornsNation's William Wilkerson during Army Bowl practices. "I fell in love with the campus when I visited. I didn't really get too in depth with it -- that's why I am going to take an official (visit) there. The broadcast communication program is great. The tradition there -- they haven't changed their weight room at all -- I like that because it's a tradition, it's a legacy. So many people have gone through there and they haven't changed anything."
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Since receiving a scholarship offer from USC this past spring, linebacker Scott Starr (Norco, Calif./Norco) has been counting down the days until he could officially become a Trojan. Now, as an early enrollee, that time is almost here.
"I get to move in on Friday," Starr said. "It's definitely going to be special. I have my freshman orientation on Friday and then Monday, I'm a student at USC. It's full go."
Starr said he is looking forward to joining his teammates next week, but added that he was able to spend a few moments reflecting on the past few months.
"I get to move in on Friday," Starr said. "It's definitely going to be special. I have my freshman orientation on Friday and then Monday, I'm a student at USC. It's full go."
Starr said he is looking forward to joining his teammates next week, but added that he was able to spend a few moments reflecting on the past few months.
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USC targets set for Under Armour All-America Game 
January, 5, 2012
1/05/12
11:14
AM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
USC fans might need to wait until Saturday to see a lot of the Trojans recruiting targets in action, but Thursday’s Under Armour All-America Game (4:30 p.m. PT, ESPN/ESPN3) features plenty of players to keep an eye on.
Black team
WR Nelson Agholor (Tampa, Fla./Berkeley Prep), jersey No. 3
Black team
WR Nelson Agholor (Tampa, Fla./Berkeley Prep), jersey No. 3
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USC TE commit will check out UCLA this weekend
January, 4, 2012
1/04/12
2:55
PM PT
By Greg Biggins | ESPN.com
Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick (Rocklin, Calif./Whitney) is still a solid commitment to USC but will take three more official visits starting with one to the Trojans cross-town rival this weekend.
Cope-Fitzpatrick is currently at the Under Armour All-America Game, where he said he’s feeling good despite not playing much football since Thanksgiving.
“I thought I would be tired and it has been a grind out here but I’m enjoying myself,” Cope-Fitzpatrick said. “Each team has two tight ends but one of ours has a bad hammy so I’ve taken all the reps. I’m also on all the special teams so I just hope I don’t run out of gas in the game tomorrow.”
Cope-Fitzpatrick is currently at the Under Armour All-America Game, where he said he’s feeling good despite not playing much football since Thanksgiving.
“I thought I would be tired and it has been a grind out here but I’m enjoying myself,” Cope-Fitzpatrick said. “Each team has two tight ends but one of ours has a bad hammy so I’ve taken all the reps. I’m also on all the special teams so I just hope I don’t run out of gas in the game tomorrow.”
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Armond Armstead likely to transfer
January, 4, 2012
1/04/12
2:40
PM PT
By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
It appears more likely than ever that USC defensive tackle Armond Armstead will not be returning to the Trojans next year as a story today in the OC Register indicated that he is “strongly considering transferring” to another school.
Armstead listed Notre Dame, Auburn and Arkansas as three possible destinations. He has a meeting with USC administrators on Monday to review the transfer request.
His reasons for transferring revolve around undisclosed medical issues which have resulted in Armstead not being cleared to play by the USC doctors.
Armstead listed Notre Dame, Auburn and Arkansas as three possible destinations. He has a meeting with USC administrators on Monday to review the transfer request.
His reasons for transferring revolve around undisclosed medical issues which have resulted in Armstead not being cleared to play by the USC doctors.
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LOS ANGELES -- The 2012 USC football schedule has been announced by the Pac-12 Conference.
The Trojans, coming off a 10-2 season that saw them finish first in the Pac-12 South Division and earn a No. 5 ranking in the final regular-season AP poll, will play six home games in the Coliseum in 2012. Overall, USC -- which is expected to enter the season ranked high nationally -- will face eight teams that played in a bowl this year, six teams that won at least seven games in 2011 and four squads that will be guided by new coaches.
In 2012, USC's non-conference opponents will be Hawaii, Syracuse and Notre Dame. The Trojans also will play the same Pac-12 teams that they played this past season (all but Oregon State and Washington State), but those games will be played at the sites opposite of this year’s locations.
USC football tickets are available for purchase on GetTrojanTix.com.
USC will open its 2012 slate with a Sept. 1 home contest against Norm Chow-led Hawaii, just the third time that the Warriors have played the Trojans in the Coliseum. Troy then will make its first visit to the New York City area since 2000 when it meets Syracuse on Sept. 8 in 82,500-seat MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
USC then begins Pac-12 play by facing the Bay Area schools, traveling to Stanford on Sept. 15 (the Pac-12's first conference game of 2012) and hosting California on Sept. 22.
After a bye on Sept. 29, USC resumes league play with a Thursday game at Utah on Oct. 4, followed by a trip to Washington on Oct. 13. The Trojans return to the Coliseum for an Oct. 20 game against Colorado before going to Arizona (under new coach Rich Rodriguez) on Oct. 27.
Troy opens the month of November with home games against 3-time defending league champion Oregon on Nov. 3 and Arizona State on Nov. 10. USC then plays its traditional rivals, first facing new coach Jim L. Mora’s UCLA team in the Rose Bowl on Nov. 17 and then hosting Notre Dame on the Saturday (Nov. 24) of Thanksgiving weekend.
Game times and television plans for USC’s 2012 games will be announced at a later date, although all games will be on some form of national television thanks to the Pac-12’s new media rights agreement with ESPN and FOX and the launch of the Pac-12 Networks. The Pac-12 said that dates during the first 2 weeks of non-conference play in 2012 could be adjusted to accommodate television commitments, but the remainder of the schedule is firm.
The Pac-12 Championship Game will be played on Friday, Nov. 30, at the stadium of the division winner with the best overall conference record.
2012 USC FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Sept. 1 Hawaii
Sept. 8 vs. Syracuse (@ E. Rutherford, N.J.)
Sept. 15 at Stanford
Sept. 22 California
Oct. 4 (Th.) at Utah
Oct. 13 at Washington
Oct. 20 Colorado
Oct. 27 at Arizona
Nov. 3 Oregon
Nov. 10 Arizona State
Nov. 17 at UCLA
Nov. 24 Notre Dame
- courtesy USC sports information
The Trojans, coming off a 10-2 season that saw them finish first in the Pac-12 South Division and earn a No. 5 ranking in the final regular-season AP poll, will play six home games in the Coliseum in 2012. Overall, USC -- which is expected to enter the season ranked high nationally -- will face eight teams that played in a bowl this year, six teams that won at least seven games in 2011 and four squads that will be guided by new coaches.
In 2012, USC's non-conference opponents will be Hawaii, Syracuse and Notre Dame. The Trojans also will play the same Pac-12 teams that they played this past season (all but Oregon State and Washington State), but those games will be played at the sites opposite of this year’s locations.
USC football tickets are available for purchase on GetTrojanTix.com.
USC will open its 2012 slate with a Sept. 1 home contest against Norm Chow-led Hawaii, just the third time that the Warriors have played the Trojans in the Coliseum. Troy then will make its first visit to the New York City area since 2000 when it meets Syracuse on Sept. 8 in 82,500-seat MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
USC then begins Pac-12 play by facing the Bay Area schools, traveling to Stanford on Sept. 15 (the Pac-12's first conference game of 2012) and hosting California on Sept. 22.
After a bye on Sept. 29, USC resumes league play with a Thursday game at Utah on Oct. 4, followed by a trip to Washington on Oct. 13. The Trojans return to the Coliseum for an Oct. 20 game against Colorado before going to Arizona (under new coach Rich Rodriguez) on Oct. 27.
Troy opens the month of November with home games against 3-time defending league champion Oregon on Nov. 3 and Arizona State on Nov. 10. USC then plays its traditional rivals, first facing new coach Jim L. Mora’s UCLA team in the Rose Bowl on Nov. 17 and then hosting Notre Dame on the Saturday (Nov. 24) of Thanksgiving weekend.
Game times and television plans for USC’s 2012 games will be announced at a later date, although all games will be on some form of national television thanks to the Pac-12’s new media rights agreement with ESPN and FOX and the launch of the Pac-12 Networks. The Pac-12 said that dates during the first 2 weeks of non-conference play in 2012 could be adjusted to accommodate television commitments, but the remainder of the schedule is firm.
The Pac-12 Championship Game will be played on Friday, Nov. 30, at the stadium of the division winner with the best overall conference record.
2012 USC FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Sept. 1 Hawaii
Sept. 8 vs. Syracuse (@ E. Rutherford, N.J.)
Sept. 15 at Stanford
Sept. 22 California
Oct. 4 (Th.) at Utah
Oct. 13 at Washington
Oct. 20 Colorado
Oct. 27 at Arizona
Nov. 3 Oregon
Nov. 10 Arizona State
Nov. 17 at UCLA
Nov. 24 Notre Dame
- courtesy USC sports information
Starr, Foster, Shepard impress in Marine game
January, 4, 2012
1/04/12
11:50
AM PT
By
Kyle Williams | ESPN.com
On Wednesday, the inaugural Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl took place at Chase Field in Phoenix, where the West edged out the East 17-14 with a late field goal. While the majority of the top high school talent is playing in either the Under Armour or Army All-American bowls this week, the game still had some of the top talent and was pretty competitive.
Committed USC linebacker Scott Starr (Norco, Calif./Norco) played on the East squad and was elected captain before the game. For most of the game, the majority of the plays were run away from him. Starr showed he had the ability to cover tight ends and running backs out of the backfield. He got in on a couple of tackles, but had his best play of the day in the second half with a good 5-yard tackle for a loss. On a couple of plays it looked like he was having trouble getting off blocks, but made up for it with good effort getting to the football.
Potential Trojans commit D.J. Foster (Scottsdale, Ariz./Saguaro) was all over the field yesterday. The West coaches had Foster lining up at running back, wide receiver as well as taking snaps at quarterback in the Wildcat formation. Foster showed that he could be a lateral runner ,as well as showing he isn’t afraid to lower his pads and run downhill.
Notre Dame commit Tee Shepard (Fresno, Calif./Washington Union), who USC has been going hard after, played a very good game for the West. Shepard looked fast in his drops and looked quick to close. Most of the balls were thrown away from his direction, but on the last play of the first quarter he almost came away with an interception.
Committed USC linebacker Scott Starr (Norco, Calif./Norco) played on the East squad and was elected captain before the game. For most of the game, the majority of the plays were run away from him. Starr showed he had the ability to cover tight ends and running backs out of the backfield. He got in on a couple of tackles, but had his best play of the day in the second half with a good 5-yard tackle for a loss. On a couple of plays it looked like he was having trouble getting off blocks, but made up for it with good effort getting to the football.
Potential Trojans commit D.J. Foster (Scottsdale, Ariz./Saguaro) was all over the field yesterday. The West coaches had Foster lining up at running back, wide receiver as well as taking snaps at quarterback in the Wildcat formation. Foster showed that he could be a lateral runner ,as well as showing he isn’t afraid to lower his pads and run downhill.
Notre Dame commit Tee Shepard (Fresno, Calif./Washington Union), who USC has been going hard after, played a very good game for the West. Shepard looked fast in his drops and looked quick to close. Most of the balls were thrown away from his direction, but on the last play of the first quarter he almost came away with an interception.
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Recap of USC recruits in UA practices
January, 4, 2012
1/04/12
11:42
AM PT
By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
The Under Armour All-American game practices have concluded and the players will spend Wednesday in meetings as they get prepared for the game tomorrow night.
As usual, the practices gave a glimpse of how some of the USC prospects will compete against other elite recruits from around the country.
USC fans have to be pleased with what future Trojans tight end Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick has shown so far. He has stood out among the players at his position and been a real weapon as a pass catcher in the red zone. With his 6-foot-4, 261-pound frame, he is also serving as a very effective blocker. That’s good news for a Trojans offense that is utilizing the tight end more and more.
As usual, the practices gave a glimpse of how some of the USC prospects will compete against other elite recruits from around the country.
USC fans have to be pleased with what future Trojans tight end Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick has shown so far. He has stood out among the players at his position and been a real weapon as a pass catcher in the red zone. With his 6-foot-4, 261-pound frame, he is also serving as a very effective blocker. That’s good news for a Trojans offense that is utilizing the tight end more and more.
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SAN ANTONIO -- Unlike many of the uncommitted athletes at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, four-star lineman Arik Armstead (Elk Grove, Calif./Pleasant Grove) said he has decided against announcing during Saturday’s football game at the Alamodome.
A massive defensive tackle at 6-foot-8 and 290 pounds, Armstead said he eventually will choose between Oregon, California, Notre Dame, Texas and Auburn. The decision, however, will not take place Saturday, as he wants to take as much time as possible to make the proper decision.
“Some schools are stronger academically than others, and some schools have more opportunities as far as education goes,” Armstead said. “All of the schools do a good job of putting guys in the pros, which is very important, too.”
Armstead, a two-sport star in football and basketball, has visited Oregon, Cal and Notre Dame, and he said an official to Texas may be next for him. He said of the five schools, there are no front-runners, but all five schools have agreed to let him play both sports in college.
A massive defensive tackle at 6-foot-8 and 290 pounds, Armstead said he eventually will choose between Oregon, California, Notre Dame, Texas and Auburn. The decision, however, will not take place Saturday, as he wants to take as much time as possible to make the proper decision.
“Some schools are stronger academically than others, and some schools have more opportunities as far as education goes,” Armstead said. “All of the schools do a good job of putting guys in the pros, which is very important, too.”
Armstead, a two-sport star in football and basketball, has visited Oregon, Cal and Notre Dame, and he said an official to Texas may be next for him. He said of the five schools, there are no front-runners, but all five schools have agreed to let him play both sports in college.
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USC commits and targets at all-star games on Tuesday
January, 3, 2012
1/03/12
11:22
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
Former USC wide receiver commit Jaydon Mickens (Los Angeles/Dorsey) was the star of the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl on Tuesday, catching a touchdown pass and recording a long rush and kickoff return as the West came away with a 17-14 victory.
USC targets Tee Shepard (Fresno, Calif./Washington Union) and Deontay Greenberry (Fresno, Calif./Washington Union) made their presence felt in the West defensive backfield, as Shepard deflected several passes and nearly came up with a terrific interception, while Greenberry did record an interception late in the game, which helped seal the win.
Fellow Trojans target D.J. Foster (Scottsdale, Ariz./Saguaro) played running back for the West team, and although he was mostly held in check, certainly showed glimpses of what makes him such a special football player. He is a versatile athlete who can play tailback as well as wide receiver, which makes him a matchup problem for opposing defenses.
USC targets Tee Shepard (Fresno, Calif./Washington Union) and Deontay Greenberry (Fresno, Calif./Washington Union) made their presence felt in the West defensive backfield, as Shepard deflected several passes and nearly came up with a terrific interception, while Greenberry did record an interception late in the game, which helped seal the win.
Fellow Trojans target D.J. Foster (Scottsdale, Ariz./Saguaro) played running back for the West team, and although he was mostly held in check, certainly showed glimpses of what makes him such a special football player. He is a versatile athlete who can play tailback as well as wide receiver, which makes him a matchup problem for opposing defenses.
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Dodson "80 percent commited" to Wisconsin
January, 3, 2012
1/03/12
7:54
PM PT
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Cleveland Heights offensive tackle Kyle Dodson was firmly committed to Wisconsin for more than five months and was coming off his official visit to the Badgers when Ohio State forced Dodson to reconsider his options.
The Buckeyes named Urban Meyer its new coach on Nov. 28 -- one day after his official visit to Wisconsin ended -- and the three-star lineman is no longer 100 percent committed to the Badgers.
“I'm about 80 percent [committed to Wisconsin],” Dodson said.
The Buckeyes named Urban Meyer its new coach on Nov. 28 -- one day after his official visit to Wisconsin ended -- and the three-star lineman is no longer 100 percent committed to the Badgers.
“I'm about 80 percent [committed to Wisconsin],” Dodson said.
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Remember, you can follow the action at the third day of Under Armour All-America Game practice.
See updates and chat with the experts.
See updates and chat with the experts.
USC all-star game targets Monday update
January, 3, 2012
1/03/12
12:17
AM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
Several USC commits and targets continue to make noise during all-star practices in both San Antonio and Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
At the Army All-American Bowl, the West offensive line has been a focal point, as expected. USC commit Jordan Simmons (Encino, Calif./Crespi) injured his knee early and his status for the game is in question, but fellow USC commit Max Tuerk (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif./Santa Margarita) has impressed, as have USC targets Kyle Murphy (San Clemente, Calif./San Clemente) and Zach Banner (Lakewood, Wash./Lakes). Murphy provided an update to RecruitingNation's Damon Sayles, saying he will choose between USC, Stanford, Oregon, Florida and California, but will hold off until he can take two more official visits. Murphy will visit Stanford on Jan. 13 and USC on Jan. 20. Most expect it to come down to those two schools for the talented tackle.
At the Under Armour All-America Game practices, USC tight end commit Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick (Rocklin, Calif./Whitney) has been generating plenty of positive buzz. He was very active today and has provided his quarterback with a solid red zone target.
At the Army All-American Bowl, the West offensive line has been a focal point, as expected. USC commit Jordan Simmons (Encino, Calif./Crespi) injured his knee early and his status for the game is in question, but fellow USC commit Max Tuerk (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif./Santa Margarita) has impressed, as have USC targets Kyle Murphy (San Clemente, Calif./San Clemente) and Zach Banner (Lakewood, Wash./Lakes). Murphy provided an update to RecruitingNation's Damon Sayles, saying he will choose between USC, Stanford, Oregon, Florida and California, but will hold off until he can take two more official visits. Murphy will visit Stanford on Jan. 13 and USC on Jan. 20. Most expect it to come down to those two schools for the talented tackle.
At the Under Armour All-America Game practices, USC tight end commit Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick (Rocklin, Calif./Whitney) has been generating plenty of positive buzz. He was very active today and has provided his quarterback with a solid red zone target.
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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.