Defensive back Shaq Thompson (Sacramento, Calif./Grant) will make his college choice next Saturday at the U.S Army All-American Bowl. The safety has been a strong Cal lean for the last year but it’s another Pac 12 school Thompson has been talking up lately.
Thompson, the No. 2 player in the state and, No. 22 player nationall.y committed to Cal last summer but opened up his recruitment shortly after his decision. Most feel the Bears still lead big but Thompson said he’s giving USC a strong look as well.
“I know some people probably think I’m just messing around but I’m serious about my interest in USC,” Thompson said. “I’m down to those two schools and I’m still trying to figure out what I’m going to do. I haven’t visited USC before but I’ve heard a lot of great things about the school and I love the way the team plays.
Thompson, the No. 2 player in the state and, No. 22 player nationall.y committed to Cal last summer but opened up his recruitment shortly after his decision. Most feel the Bears still lead big but Thompson said he’s giving USC a strong look as well.
“I know some people probably think I’m just messing around but I’m serious about my interest in USC,” Thompson said. “I’m down to those two schools and I’m still trying to figure out what I’m going to do. I haven’t visited USC before but I’ve heard a lot of great things about the school and I love the way the team plays.
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Williams slowly narrowing down his list 
January, 1, 2012
1/01/12
6:35
PM PT
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
Four-star prospect Leonard Williams (Daytona Beach, Fla./Mainland) is starting to narrow down his list of schools.
The defensive lineman is considering Florida, Florida State and Auburn. Williams, who attended an FSU practice in Orlando before the Seminoles' victory over Notre Dame in the Champs Sports Bowl, said that two schools are standing out for him.
"I don't really have a leader but Florida and Auburn are my top two schools," Williams said Saturday at the Under Armour All-American Game check in. "I just always liked Florida growing up, they have a great program -- they were my favorite team as a kid. I have a great relationship with the D-line coach Dan Quinn."
The defensive lineman is considering Florida, Florida State and Auburn. Williams, who attended an FSU practice in Orlando before the Seminoles' victory over Notre Dame in the Champs Sports Bowl, said that two schools are standing out for him.
"I don't really have a leader but Florida and Auburn are my top two schools," Williams said Saturday at the Under Armour All-American Game check in. "I just always liked Florida growing up, they have a great program -- they were my favorite team as a kid. I have a great relationship with the D-line coach Dan Quinn."
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USC targets, commits check in at all-star games
January, 1, 2012
1/01/12
3:32
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
The first all-star game may still be a few days away, but USC targets and commits have been making news since checking in for the various games.
At the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl practices, USC commit Scott Starr (Norco, Calif./Norco) has received rave reviews for his performance, which is no surprise to Trojans fans. Starr has reportedly been a constant presence around the ball and made sure to bring his physical, attacking style of play with him to Arizona.
USC targets Tee Shepard (Fresno, Calif./Washington Union) and Deontay Greenberry (Fresno, Calif./Washington Union) have made some noise during their time at that game as well. Greenberry has shined on both sides of the ball, displaying his ability to make an impact at wide receiver, cornerback or safety at the next level.
At the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl practices, USC commit Scott Starr (Norco, Calif./Norco) has received rave reviews for his performance, which is no surprise to Trojans fans. Starr has reportedly been a constant presence around the ball and made sure to bring his physical, attacking style of play with him to Arizona.
USC targets Tee Shepard (Fresno, Calif./Washington Union) and Deontay Greenberry (Fresno, Calif./Washington Union) have made some noise during their time at that game as well. Greenberry has shined on both sides of the ball, displaying his ability to make an impact at wide receiver, cornerback or safety at the next level.
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When Matt Barkley recently announced that he would be returning to USC for his senior season, there might not have been two people happier than receivers Robert Woods and Marqise Lee.
When you look at the numbers that these guys have put up together so far, it’s easy to look forward to next year and imagine how impressive things are going to be.
Woods and Lee combined for 184 catches in 2011 -- the most ever by a duo in USC history. That’s not a small accomplishment, as there have been some pretty good pairings in recent years.
When you look at the numbers that these guys have put up together so far, it’s easy to look forward to next year and imagine how impressive things are going to be.
Woods and Lee combined for 184 catches in 2011 -- the most ever by a duo in USC history. That’s not a small accomplishment, as there have been some pretty good pairings in recent years.
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Agholor starting to narrow things down
January, 1, 2012
1/01/12
10:37
AM PT
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
Four-star athlete Nelson Agholor (Tampa, Fla./Berkeley Prep) has kept his recruitment close to the vest from the beginning. But with a month left until signing day, Agholor is beginning to narrow down his choices.
Agholor, who has already visited Florida, Notre Dame and Oklahoma, is still planning to visit Florida State on Jan. 13 and USC after that. Agholor said his decision will come down to where he feels the most comfortable.
"I'm looking at the people, the relationships, the comfort level, the home environment and stuff like that," Agholor said Saturday from the Under Armour All-America Game check in. "I have an idea and after I take these two visits, I'll be ready to make a decision and live with it."
Agholor, who has already visited Florida, Notre Dame and Oklahoma, is still planning to visit Florida State on Jan. 13 and USC after that. Agholor said his decision will come down to where he feels the most comfortable.
"I'm looking at the people, the relationships, the comfort level, the home environment and stuff like that," Agholor said Saturday from the Under Armour All-America Game check in. "I have an idea and after I take these two visits, I'll be ready to make a decision and live with it."
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Under Armour chat: Noon CT today
January, 1, 2012
1/01/12
9:40
AM PT
By HornsNation staff | ESPN.com
Recruiting Nation will be chatting today from the first day of practice at the Under Armour All-America Game.
Send in your questions and chat from noon-3 p.m. CT.
Send in your questions and chat from noon-3 p.m. CT.
Could Stanford land a historical OL class?
December, 30, 2011
12/30/11
6:02
PM PT
By Greg Biggins | ESPN.com
The commitment Thursday night from Brandon Fanaika (Pleasant Grove, Utah) gives the Cardinal four offensive line commitments. For most schools, that would just about wrap it up but Stanford is still heavily involved with three of the nation’s best line prospects and if it lands even two of the three, it would be one of the best OL classes in recent memory.
Fanaika is a three-star guard prospect and rated the No. 4 player in the state. He’ll go on his LDS Mormon mission immediately after high school so technically, the Cardinal have three linemen who will enroll in the fall.
In addition to Fanaika, the Cardinal have two other three-star prospects in Johnny Caspers (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West) and Graham Shuler (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy) and four star prospect Nick Davidson (Eden Prairie, Minn.) in the fold.
Fanaika is a three-star guard prospect and rated the No. 4 player in the state. He’ll go on his LDS Mormon mission immediately after high school so technically, the Cardinal have three linemen who will enroll in the fall.
In addition to Fanaika, the Cardinal have two other three-star prospects in Johnny Caspers (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West) and Graham Shuler (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy) and four star prospect Nick Davidson (Eden Prairie, Minn.) in the fold.
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ESPN Recruiting Nation's Mitch Sherman writes: Steve Mariucci knows what coaching in the Under Armour All-America Game is all about and is excited to be back. Herm Edwards will soon find out.
Before Matt Barkley was leading USC, he was throwing touchdowns in the 2009 Under Armour All-America Game.
Leading up to Thursday's Under Armour All-America Game in St. Petersburg, Fla. (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN), Tom Luginbill, ESPN’s National Recruiting Director, takes a look at some of the individual match-ups to keep an eye on. White team match-ups. Black team match-ups.
Before Matt Barkley was leading USC, he was throwing touchdowns in the 2009 Under Armour All-America Game.
Leading up to Thursday's Under Armour All-America Game in St. Petersburg, Fla. (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN), Tom Luginbill, ESPN’s National Recruiting Director, takes a look at some of the individual match-ups to keep an eye on. White team match-ups. Black team match-ups.
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Despite a valiant second-half comeback, the USC Trojans (5-9 overall, 0-1 Pac-12) couldn't overcome the California Golden Bears (11-3, 1-0), falling 53-49 in the conference opener for both teams.
Trailing by 10 points with 5:24 to play, USC closed to 50-49 with 44 seconds remaining on the strength of an an 11-2 run. The Trojans elected to play defense rather than foul during the final Cal possession and were rewarded with a block by center Dewayne Dedmon with 10 seconds remaining. But Cal's Allen Crabbe grabbed the rebound and was fouled during a 3-point attempt, and the subsequent free throws provided the final margin.
The Trojans trailed 31-19 at halftime, thanks to another 20 minutes of offensive struggles. USC shot 33.3 percent from the field and missed all four of their 3-point attempts to go along with nine turnovers. USC shot 33.9 percent from the floor in the game and just 46.7 percent from the free-throw line.
Sophomore point guard Maurice Jones once again led the Trojans with 17 points -- the only USC player to score in double figures. He added four steals and four assists. Aaron Fuller scored eight points and grabbed eight rebounds.
Trailing by 10 points with 5:24 to play, USC closed to 50-49 with 44 seconds remaining on the strength of an an 11-2 run. The Trojans elected to play defense rather than foul during the final Cal possession and were rewarded with a block by center Dewayne Dedmon with 10 seconds remaining. But Cal's Allen Crabbe grabbed the rebound and was fouled during a 3-point attempt, and the subsequent free throws provided the final margin.
The Trojans trailed 31-19 at halftime, thanks to another 20 minutes of offensive struggles. USC shot 33.3 percent from the field and missed all four of their 3-point attempts to go along with nine turnovers. USC shot 33.9 percent from the floor in the game and just 46.7 percent from the free-throw line.
Sophomore point guard Maurice Jones once again led the Trojans with 17 points -- the only USC player to score in double figures. He added four steals and four assists. Aaron Fuller scored eight points and grabbed eight rebounds.
USC's most important targets Nos. 1-5
December, 29, 2011
12/29/11
10:06
AM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
5. CB Kevon Seymour (Pasadena, Calif./Muir) -- The need for cornerbacks in this class has been documented, as the unit could be hit by departures after this season. Seymour is one of the top two cornerbacks in the state and grabbing him out of UCLA's backyard would be doubly sweet for the Trojans, as the Bruins' new staff has made him one of their priorities.
4. OT Andrus Peat (Tempe, Ariz./Corona Del Sol) -- Left tackle is a huge need for the Trojans, and they don't come much better in this class than Peat. USC has done well in Arizona recently, and grabbing the state's top player would send a message to the rest of the conference. Peat has the ability to play right now for the Trojans and possibly step into the spot vacated by Matt Kalil.
3. DE Arik Armstead (Elk Grove, Calif./Pleasant Grove) -- The unfortunate thing about Armstead ranking this high is that it looks like an absolute certainty that the Trojans won't land him in this class. There is no way to ignore how big of a hit that is, considering he was locked into becoming a Trojan just four months ago, and he is an impact player at a position where a starting spot could be open.
4. OT Andrus Peat (Tempe, Ariz./Corona Del Sol) -- Left tackle is a huge need for the Trojans, and they don't come much better in this class than Peat. USC has done well in Arizona recently, and grabbing the state's top player would send a message to the rest of the conference. Peat has the ability to play right now for the Trojans and possibly step into the spot vacated by Matt Kalil.
3. DE Arik Armstead (Elk Grove, Calif./Pleasant Grove) -- The unfortunate thing about Armstead ranking this high is that it looks like an absolute certainty that the Trojans won't land him in this class. There is no way to ignore how big of a hit that is, considering he was locked into becoming a Trojan just four months ago, and he is an impact player at a position where a starting spot could be open.
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Barkley can give Leinart-type boost to USC
December, 29, 2011
12/29/11
7:19
AM PT
By
Kyle Williams | ESPN.com
With Matt Barkley announcing that the he will return for his senior season, the potential Heisman Trophy hopeful has immediately impacted the national title picture heading into next season.
But with his decision to stay, it has more importantly had a direct impact on his team and its psyche as they head into the offseason.
When Matt Leinart decide to return for his senior season after winning the Heisman Trophy and leading the team to a National Championship, it immediately raised the bar back up in everyone’s mind and we knew that there couldn’t be any excuse to not make it back to the National Championship game.
But it was the fact that he gave up possibly being the first quarterback selected in the draft, and the millions of dollars that come along with it, to come play with us for one more year showed that he had confidence in our team, which resulted in us elevating our game to an even higher level.
“There are a lot of talented quarterbacks out there, but not all of them can be top-10 picks in the NFL.” said former USC All-American center Ryan Kalil. “So the fact that we had an NFL-caliber quarterback coming back, and not just a returning college starting quarterback, did a lot for the teams psyche.”
Like Leinart, Barkley has already had the same impact on his team.
“Barkley is a great quarterback and the leader of our team, and by him coming back it shows us that’s its not all about the money for him, but rather that the team is what he really cares about," offensive tackle Kevin Graf said. "That’s what gives us the confidence that we can win the National Championship.”
Almost all football players start playing the game with one goal in mind -- to play in the NFL. Both Leinart and Barkley postponed their ultimate dream of the NFL by leading their teams their senior year.
History has shown how Leinart’s sacrifice had USC playing in the National Championship the next season, and with a lot of sweat and blood, maybe history will repeat itself now that Barkley is back under center for the Trojans.
But with his decision to stay, it has more importantly had a direct impact on his team and its psyche as they head into the offseason.
When Matt Leinart decide to return for his senior season after winning the Heisman Trophy and leading the team to a National Championship, it immediately raised the bar back up in everyone’s mind and we knew that there couldn’t be any excuse to not make it back to the National Championship game.
But it was the fact that he gave up possibly being the first quarterback selected in the draft, and the millions of dollars that come along with it, to come play with us for one more year showed that he had confidence in our team, which resulted in us elevating our game to an even higher level.
“There are a lot of talented quarterbacks out there, but not all of them can be top-10 picks in the NFL.” said former USC All-American center Ryan Kalil. “So the fact that we had an NFL-caliber quarterback coming back, and not just a returning college starting quarterback, did a lot for the teams psyche.”
Like Leinart, Barkley has already had the same impact on his team.
“Barkley is a great quarterback and the leader of our team, and by him coming back it shows us that’s its not all about the money for him, but rather that the team is what he really cares about," offensive tackle Kevin Graf said. "That’s what gives us the confidence that we can win the National Championship.”
Almost all football players start playing the game with one goal in mind -- to play in the NFL. Both Leinart and Barkley postponed their ultimate dream of the NFL by leading their teams their senior year.
History has shown how Leinart’s sacrifice had USC playing in the National Championship the next season, and with a lot of sweat and blood, maybe history will repeat itself now that Barkley is back under center for the Trojans.
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.