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.
USC hoops set to tip off Pac-12 schedule
December, 29, 2011
12/29/11
7:08
AM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
The USC Trojans (5-8) begin Pac-12 play Thursday, as they travel to Haas Pavilion to take on the California Golden Bears (10-3) at 6 p.m. PT.
To say the Trojans have struggled offensively this season after losing senior guard Jio Fontan to a preseason knee injury would be an understatement. USC has scored more than 66 points just once this season and have been held to fewer than 42 points on three occasions.
USC ranks last in the Pac-12 in scoring (55.8 points per game), assists (9.7), 3-pointers made (4.3), rebounds (29.3), free throws made (10) and free throws attempted (16.4) per game. The Trojans also rank last in the conference in field goal percentage (.419) and free throw percentage (.610), Sophomore point guard Maurice Jones leads the Trojans with 14.9 points per game, while junior Aaron Fuller averages 11.9 points.
The Bears will rely on a talented backcourt that features their three leading scorers, guards Allen Crabbe (15.8 points per game), Jorge Gutierrez (13.8 points) and Justin Cobbs (12.6 points).
It has been a very slow start for the Trojans -- as well as the Pac-12 in general -- but USC will look to begin generating some momentum as the conference slate gets underway.
To say the Trojans have struggled offensively this season after losing senior guard Jio Fontan to a preseason knee injury would be an understatement. USC has scored more than 66 points just once this season and have been held to fewer than 42 points on three occasions.
USC ranks last in the Pac-12 in scoring (55.8 points per game), assists (9.7), 3-pointers made (4.3), rebounds (29.3), free throws made (10) and free throws attempted (16.4) per game. The Trojans also rank last in the conference in field goal percentage (.419) and free throw percentage (.610), Sophomore point guard Maurice Jones leads the Trojans with 14.9 points per game, while junior Aaron Fuller averages 11.9 points.
The Bears will rely on a talented backcourt that features their three leading scorers, guards Allen Crabbe (15.8 points per game), Jorge Gutierrez (13.8 points) and Justin Cobbs (12.6 points).
It has been a very slow start for the Trojans -- as well as the Pac-12 in general -- but USC will look to begin generating some momentum as the conference slate gets underway.
USC's most important targets No. 6-10
December, 28, 2011
12/28/11
5:00
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
10. WR Nelson Agholor (Tampa, Fla./Berkeley Prep) -- A dynamic two-way player will likely begin his career as a wide receiver. He drops on this list because he doesn't play a position of huge need in this class and he won't end up in the Pac-12 if he doesn't sign with USC. He remains on the list because he is a potential game-changer and the Trojans could be forced to face him every year, as Notre Dame is high on his list.
9. ATH Davonte Neal (Scottsdale, Ariz./Chaparral) -- Another two-way standout, Neal would give the Trojans a big-time cornerback and outstanding special teams returner in this class. Cornerback is definitely a need position, but if the Trojans miss on Neal, he could very well be headed out of the conference.
8. DT Aziz Shittu (Atwater, Calif./Buhach Colony) -- The USC coaches would like to add a couple of defensive tackles in this class, and Shittu has been a target for some time now. He is athletic enough to play any of the four positions along the line and would give USC tremendous flexibility in working with a depleted roster. On top of that, grabbing Shittu would keep him away from Pac-12 competition in Stanford, California and UCLA.
9. ATH Davonte Neal (Scottsdale, Ariz./Chaparral) -- Another two-way standout, Neal would give the Trojans a big-time cornerback and outstanding special teams returner in this class. Cornerback is definitely a need position, but if the Trojans miss on Neal, he could very well be headed out of the conference.
8. DT Aziz Shittu (Atwater, Calif./Buhach Colony) -- The USC coaches would like to add a couple of defensive tackles in this class, and Shittu has been a target for some time now. He is athletic enough to play any of the four positions along the line and would give USC tremendous flexibility in working with a depleted roster. On top of that, grabbing Shittu would keep him away from Pac-12 competition in Stanford, California and UCLA.
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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.