WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. -- Though junior safety T.J. McDonald has yet to announce whether he is returning for his senior season or leaving early for the NFL, the USC secondary was strengthened Wednesday with the addition of junior college prospect Gerald Bowman of Pierce College.
Bowman committed to the Trojans over Oklahoma and Miami, becoming the 11th USC commit for this class and the fifth who will enroll this spring. Bowman joins fellow junior college recruit Morgan Breslin in choosing the Trojans on Wednesday. Both players are capable of making early impacts in their USC careers.
Originally from Philadelphia, Bowman spent a year at North Carolina Tech before following teammates to Pierce. After a stellar first year there, USC offered a scholarship and had been chasing him in a big way ever since. Bowman eventually gained interest in Oklahoma and took an official visit there in early November, but an official visit to USC in late December -- coupled with Ed Orgeron’s constant presence -- was enough for the Trojans to land one of the top junior college recruits in the country.
Bowman -- 6-foot-1, 211 pounds -- will have two years of eligibility remaining and will likely challenge for playing time immediately. His status as an early enrollee should help him attack the two-deep at safety as well as several special teams positions. He fits well into that USC legacy of big-hitting safeties and is a key addition to the defensive backfield, with his experience and leadership qualities likely playing a big role this year and next.
Bowman committed to the Trojans over Oklahoma and Miami, becoming the 11th USC commit for this class and the fifth who will enroll this spring. Bowman joins fellow junior college recruit Morgan Breslin in choosing the Trojans on Wednesday. Both players are capable of making early impacts in their USC careers.
Originally from Philadelphia, Bowman spent a year at North Carolina Tech before following teammates to Pierce. After a stellar first year there, USC offered a scholarship and had been chasing him in a big way ever since. Bowman eventually gained interest in Oklahoma and took an official visit there in early November, but an official visit to USC in late December -- coupled with Ed Orgeron’s constant presence -- was enough for the Trojans to land one of the top junior college recruits in the country.
Bowman -- 6-foot-1, 211 pounds -- will have two years of eligibility remaining and will likely challenge for playing time immediately. His status as an early enrollee should help him attack the two-deep at safety as well as several special teams positions. He fits well into that USC legacy of big-hitting safeties and is a key addition to the defensive backfield, with his experience and leadership qualities likely playing a big role this year and next.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ESPNU 150 DE Williams to delay announcement 
December, 21, 2011
12/21/11
11:55
AM PT
By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
ESPNU 150 defensive end Leonard Williams (Daytona Beach, Fla./Mainland) will likely delay his decision until signing day.
Originally he had planned to announce at the Jan. 5 Under Armour All-America Game.
"I think I'm going to do the announcement with my team instead," Williams said.
Originally he had planned to announce at the Jan. 5 Under Armour All-America Game.
"I think I'm going to do the announcement with my team instead," Williams said.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Running back Kelvin York (Fullerton JC, Calif.) has signed with Utah. York, who originally committed to USC, narrowed his choices to the Utes and Washington before deciding to go with Utah.
York visited Washington in late November and then took a visit to Utah two weeks ago.
“I just really felt comfortable at Utah,” York said. “I have a good relationship with the running backs coach, Dave Schramm, and just felt a better connection at Utah with the entire coaching staff. It also felt like more of a family atmosphere to me and that was one of the big things I was looking for.
York visited Washington in late November and then took a visit to Utah two weeks ago.
“I just really felt comfortable at Utah,” York said. “I have a good relationship with the running backs coach, Dave Schramm, and just felt a better connection at Utah with the entire coaching staff. It also felt like more of a family atmosphere to me and that was one of the big things I was looking for.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
USC flips Breslin, could Bowman be next?
December, 21, 2011
12/21/11
10:48
AM PT
By Greg Biggins | ESPN.com
It could be a big day for USC on the first day of the juco signing period. The Trojans were able to flip former UCLA commit Morgan Breslin (Pleasant Hill, Calif./Diablo Valley College) and could be set to land an even bigger prize later today.
Breslin had committed to UCLA last summer but took an official visit to USC this past weekend. A scholarship opened up for the Trojans when defensive end Nick Perry declared for the 2012 NFL draft, and upon being offered by USC, Breslin didn’t waste time in jumping on it.
“He’s the best football player we’ve ever had here,” DVC coach Mike Darr told the Oakland Tribune. “He had a great two years with us and has a very bright future.”
Breslin had committed to UCLA last summer but took an official visit to USC this past weekend. A scholarship opened up for the Trojans when defensive end Nick Perry declared for the 2012 NFL draft, and upon being offered by USC, Breslin didn’t waste time in jumping on it.
“He’s the best football player we’ve ever had here,” DVC coach Mike Darr told the Oakland Tribune. “He had a great two years with us and has a very bright future.”
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
It is clear that Darreus Rogers (Carson, Calif./Carson) is USC's top wide receiver target in California. But after an early offer and commitment, the Trojans will need to continue working these last few weeks -- as they will with all commits -- to keep him in the mix.
Rogers is in Fresno this week, participating in the inaugural Cal State All-Star Game, pitting some of the top players in northern California against their counterparts from the south. The South team appears fairly set at wide receiver, as they can put out a three-wide set featuring Rogers, Bryce Treggs (Bellflower, Calif./St. John Bosco) and Kenny Lawler (Upland, Calif./Upland). The players went through check-in Monday before practices started Tuesday, leading up to Friday's game.
Rogers made a statement in the first evening practice of the week, with two spectacular catches. The first was on a crossing route where he spun to catch a ball that was thrown behind him and was able to bring it in with one hand. The second was good enough that the coaches decided to end practice on it. A deep ball was thrown to Rogers against coverage from Ishmael Adams (Westlake Village, Calif./Oaks Christian). Adams looked as though he was preparing to make a basket catch as the ball was slightly overthrown. But Rogers went up over the cornerback and hauled it in, drawing praise from his entire team.
Rogers is in Fresno this week, participating in the inaugural Cal State All-Star Game, pitting some of the top players in northern California against their counterparts from the south. The South team appears fairly set at wide receiver, as they can put out a three-wide set featuring Rogers, Bryce Treggs (Bellflower, Calif./St. John Bosco) and Kenny Lawler (Upland, Calif./Upland). The players went through check-in Monday before practices started Tuesday, leading up to Friday's game.
Rogers made a statement in the first evening practice of the week, with two spectacular catches. The first was on a crossing route where he spun to catch a ball that was thrown behind him and was able to bring it in with one hand. The second was good enough that the coaches decided to end practice on it. A deep ball was thrown to Rogers against coverage from Ishmael Adams (Westlake Village, Calif./Oaks Christian). Adams looked as though he was preparing to make a basket catch as the ball was slightly overthrown. But Rogers went up over the cornerback and hauled it in, drawing praise from his entire team.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Ohio State? Nothing to see there, USC fans!
December, 21, 2011
12/21/11
8:26
AM PT
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
Breathe, USC fans, breathe.
In fact, I'd suggest you ignore what happened Tuesday with Ohio State and its slap on the wrist from the NCAA for a massive systemic breakdown and a coverup by head coach, Jim Tressel.
Yes, when you hold up the Ohio State case and the USC case, it's impossible not to conclude the Ohio State case was far more severe. It was, of course, without question. No informed, objective person believes differently.
But here's the thing: Being outraged will accomplish nothing. You will be unhappy and your team will still be docked 30 scholarships over the next three years for what one player secretly did while Ohio State will be down just nine scholarships over the same time period for the rule-breaking of five with full knowledge of their head coach. And your unhappiness will provide great joy to folks who don't like your team.
Adopting a placid pose — at least as best as you can — will be good practice for handling potentially more infuriation ahead. The NCAA also likely will give even worst upcoming cases — North Carolina and the University of Miami at Paul Dee — less severe penalties than it gave USC.
Why? Because the NCAA treated USC unfairly — everybody in college sports knows this — and it likely won't revisit such irrational harshness. In the end, the justification for such severe penalties, meted out in contrast to past precedent, was little more than "just because."
But the NCAA, an organization not endowed with a sense of self-awareness, failed to foresee when it curb-stomped USC that among the lawbreakers in college football, the Trojans were jaywalkers amid a mob of bank robbers. Ohio State's sanctions, in fact, represent a return to NCAA normalcy: Mostly toothless penalties that will have little effect on the program's prospects, other than a single-season bowl ban.
There we go again: Fretting the particulars and the injustice of it all.
The point is USC fans have been quite reasonably been shaking their fists at the heavens or, more accurately, the NCAA home office in Indianapolis for two years. That anger has accomplished nothing, other than emboldening taunts from opposing fans.
You know: Fans whose teams didn't finish 10-2 and ranked No. 5 in the nation.
And therein lies the ultimate revenge: Winning.
It's hard to imagine the next five years won't see a USC downturn. Losing 30 scholarships is a tough burden. Things could be particularly difficult in 2014 and 2015, when the true cumulative impact arrives. And it could be even more galling if Ohio State is back in the national title hunt those years. Maybe playing Miami in a Fiesta Bowl rematch!
But if the Trojans can somehow remain in the picture, perhaps playing in a Rose Bowl -- or two -- along the way that would be a heck of a panacea, wouldn't it?
It's a longshot, sure. But other than that, we've got nothing for you USC. Sorry.
Easy, now. Breathe, breathe. Happy place. Happy place.
Oh, no. That's exactly what we were trying to avoid.
In fact, I'd suggest you ignore what happened Tuesday with Ohio State and its slap on the wrist from the NCAA for a massive systemic breakdown and a coverup by head coach, Jim Tressel.
Yes, when you hold up the Ohio State case and the USC case, it's impossible not to conclude the Ohio State case was far more severe. It was, of course, without question. No informed, objective person believes differently.
[+] Enlarge
Kirby Lee/US PresswireTrojans fans spell out the word playoffs, but there won't be any postseason play for USC this season.
Kirby Lee/US PresswireTrojans fans spell out the word playoffs, but there won't be any postseason play for USC this season.Adopting a placid pose — at least as best as you can — will be good practice for handling potentially more infuriation ahead. The NCAA also likely will give even worst upcoming cases — North Carolina and the University of Miami at Paul Dee — less severe penalties than it gave USC.
Why? Because the NCAA treated USC unfairly — everybody in college sports knows this — and it likely won't revisit such irrational harshness. In the end, the justification for such severe penalties, meted out in contrast to past precedent, was little more than "just because."
But the NCAA, an organization not endowed with a sense of self-awareness, failed to foresee when it curb-stomped USC that among the lawbreakers in college football, the Trojans were jaywalkers amid a mob of bank robbers. Ohio State's sanctions, in fact, represent a return to NCAA normalcy: Mostly toothless penalties that will have little effect on the program's prospects, other than a single-season bowl ban.
There we go again: Fretting the particulars and the injustice of it all.
The point is USC fans have been quite reasonably been shaking their fists at the heavens or, more accurately, the NCAA home office in Indianapolis for two years. That anger has accomplished nothing, other than emboldening taunts from opposing fans.
You know: Fans whose teams didn't finish 10-2 and ranked No. 5 in the nation.
And therein lies the ultimate revenge: Winning.
It's hard to imagine the next five years won't see a USC downturn. Losing 30 scholarships is a tough burden. Things could be particularly difficult in 2014 and 2015, when the true cumulative impact arrives. And it could be even more galling if Ohio State is back in the national title hunt those years. Maybe playing Miami in a Fiesta Bowl rematch!
But if the Trojans can somehow remain in the picture, perhaps playing in a Rose Bowl -- or two -- along the way that would be a heck of a panacea, wouldn't it?
It's a longshot, sure. But other than that, we've got nothing for you USC. Sorry.
Easy, now. Breathe, breathe. Happy place. Happy place.
Oh, no. That's exactly what we were trying to avoid.
You will excuse USC fans for their reaction today to the news of Ohio State's NCAA penalties.
The Buckeyes were found to have violated rules with multiple players -- including a coach who knowingly played ineligible players for a whole season -- but the penalties handed down did not come close to matching the punishment USC received last year.
The penalties given to the Buckeyes were pretty much in line with the standard ratio that we’ve seen from the NCAA in recent years. A bowl ban, the loss of nine total scholarships over three years (including self-imposed reductions) and a show-cause penalty against former head coach Jim Tressel is a fairly stiff blow, but it’s one a program like Ohio State should be able to withstand.
The Buckeyes were found to have violated rules with multiple players -- including a coach who knowingly played ineligible players for a whole season -- but the penalties handed down did not come close to matching the punishment USC received last year.
The penalties given to the Buckeyes were pretty much in line with the standard ratio that we’ve seen from the NCAA in recent years. A bowl ban, the loss of nine total scholarships over three years (including self-imposed reductions) and a show-cause penalty against former head coach Jim Tressel is a fairly stiff blow, but it’s one a program like Ohio State should be able to withstand.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Defensive tackle Aziz Shittu (Atwater, Calif./Buhach Colony) has certainly had fun with the recruiting process, joking with fellow recruits throughout the past several months that he had committed to various schools.
As the process went along, Shittu had narrowed his list to Stanford -- where he already has committed and decommitted -- California and USC. But with the staff changes at UCLA, Shittu recently added the Bruins to his final four and will look to officially visit the Cardinal, Trojans and Bruins in January.
Shittu said everything is going well with recruiting right now and that he is looking forward to taking advantage of the dead period and the time away from the process and school. He is spending this week in Fresno, for the Cal State All Star game.
As the process went along, Shittu had narrowed his list to Stanford -- where he already has committed and decommitted -- California and USC. But with the staff changes at UCLA, Shittu recently added the Bruins to his final four and will look to officially visit the Cardinal, Trojans and Bruins in January.
Shittu said everything is going well with recruiting right now and that he is looking forward to taking advantage of the dead period and the time away from the process and school. He is spending this week in Fresno, for the Cal State All Star game.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Notre Dame still has a catch in Greenberry
December, 20, 2011
12/20/11
3:23
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
In a terrific year for California wide receivers, nobody put up the numbers Deontay Greenberry (Fresno, Calif./Washington Union) did. Greenberry surpassed the 2,000-yard mark and hauled in 33 touchdown passes, setting state records in both categories.
“I had set a goal for myself in the summer to try and break some records,” Greenberry said. “I ended up getting the most yards in the state and led the nation in touchdowns.”
Notre Dame always has a goal of prying away some of California’s top players, and they have certainly done it this year, getting verbal commitments from Greenberry, as well as his cousin, Tee Shepard. Because Shepard will enroll early, Greenberry’s recruitment isn’t on the same timeline, but he hasn’t hesitated to state that he will be following Shepard wherever he goes. This past weekend, USC coaches had a chance to make their case in keeping them closer to home, but the players’ commitments to Notre Dame was too strong.
“I had set a goal for myself in the summer to try and break some records,” Greenberry said. “I ended up getting the most yards in the state and led the nation in touchdowns.”
Notre Dame always has a goal of prying away some of California’s top players, and they have certainly done it this year, getting verbal commitments from Greenberry, as well as his cousin, Tee Shepard. Because Shepard will enroll early, Greenberry’s recruitment isn’t on the same timeline, but he hasn’t hesitated to state that he will be following Shepard wherever he goes. This past weekend, USC coaches had a chance to make their case in keeping them closer to home, but the players’ commitments to Notre Dame was too strong.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
There was a buzz among USC fans this past weekend when two of Notre Dame’s top verbal commitments decided to officially visit Lane Kiffin and the Trojans, but it appears that is as close as cornerback Tee Shepard (Fresno, Calif./Washington Union) and Deontay Greenberry (Fresno, Calif./Washington Union) will get to becoming Trojans.
“The trip was cool,” he said of his USC visit. “It’s LA, and me and Deontay had a fun time. But the only reason I went on the trip was because my little brother was playing in a game down there. I’m going to Notre Dame in January.”
The fact that Shepard will enroll early sped up his recruitment, and the Trojans couldn’t do enough to close the gap at the end.
“The trip was cool,” he said of his USC visit. “It’s LA, and me and Deontay had a fun time. But the only reason I went on the trip was because my little brother was playing in a game down there. I’m going to Notre Dame in January.”
The fact that Shepard will enroll early sped up his recruitment, and the Trojans couldn’t do enough to close the gap at the end.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Nick Perry statement on early entry
December, 20, 2011
12/20/11
11:15
AM PT
By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
USC junior defensive end Nick Perry issued a statement Tuesday about his decision to declare for the NFL draft.
"After much consideration, I have decided to forgo my college football career and declare for the draft," Perry said via usctrojans.com.
"I have thought long and hard about this decision and I have come to the conclusion that this is the best decision for me at this moment. Over the years, I have matured and learned what it takes to be a Trojan, and for that I would like to thank the Trojan family. I understand that I have chance at being a part of something great next season with the Trojans, but this opportunity doesn't come around every day. I am confident in my decision, and I am ready for this long and hard journey in the next phase of my career."
"After much consideration, I have decided to forgo my college football career and declare for the draft," Perry said via usctrojans.com.
"I have thought long and hard about this decision and I have come to the conclusion that this is the best decision for me at this moment. Over the years, I have matured and learned what it takes to be a Trojan, and for that I would like to thank the Trojan family. I understand that I have chance at being a part of something great next season with the Trojans, but this opportunity doesn't come around every day. I am confident in my decision, and I am ready for this long and hard journey in the next phase of my career."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Five Pac-12 teams in recruiting top 25
December, 20, 2011
12/20/11
8:12
AM PT
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
On the field, the Pac-12 of late has produced elite teams but not a lot of depth in the top 25. The current ESPN Recruiting rankings are exactly the opposite.
No conference team ranks among the first 15, but five rank between 18 and 25.
USC is 18th, California is 19th, Stanford is 20th, Arizona State is 24th and Oregon is 25th.
Of course, recruiting rankings before the first of the year are not unlike the AP rankings in October: It's nice to be noticed but where you finish is what matters.
Some comments on the ranked classes:
USC: "The Trojans have a small class right now but are still in the mix for plenty of the nation's top prospects."
California: "The Cal Golden Bears have been picking up steam. ... Among the recent additions who have helped propel Cal into the top 25 are a pair of four-star offensive linemen, Christian Okafor (Houston/Westbury) and Freddie Tagaloa (Richmond, Calif./Salesian)."
Stanford: "New coach David Shaw has a small class, but it is off to a good start with two ESPNU 150 prospects in the fold — OLB Noor Davis (The Villages, Fla./The Villages Charter) and ATH Alex Carter (Ashburn, Wash./Briar Woods). Davis is the No. 1 OLB in the country and has the physicality and athleticism to make an early impact in Palo Alto, while Carter will be a difference-maker at defensive back or receiver in time."
Arizona State: "The Sun Devils have loaded up their passing game with the recent addition of ESPNU 150 QB T.J. Millweard (Fort Worth, Texas/All Saints Episcopal) to go along with a trio of four-star receivers. Millweard possesses great measurables for the position as well as a big arm. He's also a very good athlete."
Oregon: "Things came together a little slow for Oregon, but the Ducks have been picking up steam. The Rose Bowl-bound Ducks recently added their first ESPNU 150 prospect with a verbal from Byron Marshall."
No conference team ranks among the first 15, but five rank between 18 and 25.
USC is 18th, California is 19th, Stanford is 20th, Arizona State is 24th and Oregon is 25th.
Of course, recruiting rankings before the first of the year are not unlike the AP rankings in October: It's nice to be noticed but where you finish is what matters.
Some comments on the ranked classes:
USC: "The Trojans have a small class right now but are still in the mix for plenty of the nation's top prospects."
California: "The Cal Golden Bears have been picking up steam. ... Among the recent additions who have helped propel Cal into the top 25 are a pair of four-star offensive linemen, Christian Okafor (Houston/Westbury) and Freddie Tagaloa (Richmond, Calif./Salesian)."
Stanford: "New coach David Shaw has a small class, but it is off to a good start with two ESPNU 150 prospects in the fold — OLB Noor Davis (The Villages, Fla./The Villages Charter) and ATH Alex Carter (Ashburn, Wash./Briar Woods). Davis is the No. 1 OLB in the country and has the physicality and athleticism to make an early impact in Palo Alto, while Carter will be a difference-maker at defensive back or receiver in time."
Arizona State: "The Sun Devils have loaded up their passing game with the recent addition of ESPNU 150 QB T.J. Millweard (Fort Worth, Texas/All Saints Episcopal) to go along with a trio of four-star receivers. Millweard possesses great measurables for the position as well as a big arm. He's also a very good athlete."
Oregon: "Things came together a little slow for Oregon, but the Ducks have been picking up steam. The Rose Bowl-bound Ducks recently added their first ESPNU 150 prospect with a verbal from Byron Marshall."
An early look at the 2012 Heisman race
December, 20, 2011
12/20/11
8:12
AM PT
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
This past season, it was certain the Pac-12 would have a Heisman Trophy candidate, considering the conference welcomed back two 2010 finalists: Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck and Oregon running back LaMichael James.
Next year? Not so certain.
Of course, if USC quarterback Matt Barkley opts to return for his senior year, he'll instantly become the favorite. But who's betting he'll return? James also could return, but that seems unlikely. The same could be said for Washington running back Chris Polk.
After that?
USC receivers Robert Woods and Marqise Lee? Washington quarterback Keith Price? Arizona State quarterback Brock Osweiler? Cal wide receiver Keenan Allen? Washington State wide receiver Marquess Wilson? Utah running back John White?
My take: Woods and Oregon's multipurpose threat De'Anthony Thomas are the Pac-12's top candidates, as of today.
But this uncertainty is not just a Pac-12 thing. As the venerable Heisman Pundit points out, it should be a wide open race nationally. It's quite possible that the preseason list of Heisman candidates won't include the eventual winner (and, really, who had Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III in their Heisman pool in August?).
And HP is not a believer in Mathieu coming back and winning next fall.
He does, however, make his own list, which includes Thomas but not Woods. He also includes USC running back Curtis McNeal.
On Thomas: "An electric will o’ the wisp who can score on the ground, in the air or by returning kicks and punts. Should be the star of yet another fine Oregon team."
On McNeal: "The USC running back position is a favorite of Heisman voters. McNeal averaged 120 yards per game and nearly 7 yards per carry in his last six games, which could point to an even bigger season in 2012."
Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson likely starts out the 2012 season as the favorite, which probably means he won't win -- see Luck. After that, everyone is just going to list returning offensive players who had good numbers in 2011.
Next year? Not so certain.
Of course, if USC quarterback Matt Barkley opts to return for his senior year, he'll instantly become the favorite. But who's betting he'll return? James also could return, but that seems unlikely. The same could be said for Washington running back Chris Polk.
After that?
USC receivers Robert Woods and Marqise Lee? Washington quarterback Keith Price? Arizona State quarterback Brock Osweiler? Cal wide receiver Keenan Allen? Washington State wide receiver Marquess Wilson? Utah running back John White?
My take: Woods and Oregon's multipurpose threat De'Anthony Thomas are the Pac-12's top candidates, as of today.
But this uncertainty is not just a Pac-12 thing. As the venerable Heisman Pundit points out, it should be a wide open race nationally. It's quite possible that the preseason list of Heisman candidates won't include the eventual winner (and, really, who had Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III in their Heisman pool in August?).
The race for the 2012 Heisman appears to be wide open, especially assuming you can cross the following names off this year’s top 10 in the voting list due to either early entry into the NFL draft or expiration of eligibility:
1. Robert Griffin III
2. Andrew Luck
3. Trent Richardson
4. Montee Ball
5. Tyrann Mathieu
6. Matt Barkley
7. Case Keenum
8. Kellen Moore
9. Russell Wilson
10. LaMichael James
Whereas this past season had five of the top six finishers in the Heisman race returning, it’s very likely that nine of 10 from this season will not return (something that hasn’t happened since 2005). That means the race for the 2012 Heisman is likely to be wide open, with no real front runner in place.
And HP is not a believer in Mathieu coming back and winning next fall.
He does, however, make his own list, which includes Thomas but not Woods. He also includes USC running back Curtis McNeal.
On Thomas: "An electric will o’ the wisp who can score on the ground, in the air or by returning kicks and punts. Should be the star of yet another fine Oregon team."
On McNeal: "The USC running back position is a favorite of Heisman voters. McNeal averaged 120 yards per game and nearly 7 yards per carry in his last six games, which could point to an even bigger season in 2012."
Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson likely starts out the 2012 season as the favorite, which probably means he won't win -- see Luck. After that, everyone is just going to list returning offensive players who had good numbers in 2011.
Junior college players are seen as quick fixes. They have less eligibility remaining than that of a true freshman and are often viewed as risky. Some Pac-12 schools barely -- or never -- recruit JC guys. Others recruit a handful every year.
One name: Aaron Rodgers.
OK, a second (and more recent one): John White.
Here's an ESPN recruiting update on what's going on with some of the top JC guys
in the nation. It's clear that new Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez is looking hard at a couple of top prospects.
Writes Corey Long: "With Rich Rodriguez just coming onto the job, he'd like to get some offensive weapons to come in and run his spread option right away. Look for the Wildcats to go hard after former FSU commit De'Joshua Johnson."
Here are some others prospects of note:
Gerald Bowman, S, Los Angeles Pierce
6-foot-1, 215 pounds
Considering: USC, Oklahoma and Miami
One of the nation's top junior college safeties, Bowman was originally an all-state performer while at Philadelphia Imhotep Prep. Bowman has been a two-time all-conference performer while at Pierce. He has taken visits to his top three schools, and also visited Cal. Other offers include Oregon, Ole Miss, Arizona, Tennessee, UCLA and West Virginia.
De'Joshua Johnson, WR/RS
5-10, 155
Considering: Arizona, Texas Tech, Mississippi State, Middle Tennessee and Bowling Green
The former Florida State commit wanted to return to Florida to play college football, but it's doubtful that can happen. Recently it appeared like Middle Tennessee was primed to pull a surprise, but Arizona might be the favorite now. Rodriguez recruited Johnson while coaching at Michigan and has a good connection with prospects from Pahokee (Fla.) High School. Oklahoma also offered Johnson, who earned NJCAA All-American honorable mention as a return specialist.
Mike Pennel, DT, Scottsdale (Ariz.)
6-4, 340
Considering: Arizona State, Kansas State, Arkansas, Texas A&M and Hawaii
Pennel committed to Arkansas earlier in the process but decommitted on Dec. 5. He will not sign until February and that could force him to check out other options. Pennel has taken visits to Arkansas and Texas A&M so far. Pennel had 13 tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble.
Mohammed "Mo" Seisay, CB, Eastern Arizona
6-2, 200
Considering: Arizona, Nebraska, Ole Miss
Seisay made the Conference USA All-Freshman team in 2010 while enrolled at Memphis. As of November, he had six interceptions and returned two for touchdowns. Other offers came from Indiana, Arkansas, Kansas State, Illinois and North Carolina.
And here are some notable JC guys who have already committed to Pac-12 teams.
Alexandru Ceachir, OL, Santa Monica (Calif.)
6-5, 300
Committed to Utah
Originally from Moldova (a European country located between Romania and Ukraine), Ceachir played European club football before moving to America. He took an official visit to Colorado and also held offers from Arkansas, Fresno State and Utah.
Kyle Long, OL, Saddleback College (Calif.)
6-7, 290
Committed to Oregon
Long, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Howie Long, originally committed to FSU on a baseball scholarship and later transferred to Virginia to play football. A former ESPNU 150 prospect in 2008 out of Charlottesville (Va.) Saint Anne's-Belfield, Long was a first-team all-conference performer in 2011. He had offers from UCLA, Washington, Auburn, FSU and SMU.
One name: Aaron Rodgers.
OK, a second (and more recent one): John White.
Here's an ESPN recruiting update on what's going on with some of the top JC guys
in the nation. It's clear that new Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez is looking hard at a couple of top prospects.
Writes Corey Long: "With Rich Rodriguez just coming onto the job, he'd like to get some offensive weapons to come in and run his spread option right away. Look for the Wildcats to go hard after former FSU commit De'Joshua Johnson."
Here are some others prospects of note:
Gerald Bowman, S, Los Angeles Pierce
6-foot-1, 215 pounds
Considering: USC, Oklahoma and Miami
One of the nation's top junior college safeties, Bowman was originally an all-state performer while at Philadelphia Imhotep Prep. Bowman has been a two-time all-conference performer while at Pierce. He has taken visits to his top three schools, and also visited Cal. Other offers include Oregon, Ole Miss, Arizona, Tennessee, UCLA and West Virginia.
De'Joshua Johnson, WR/RS
5-10, 155
Considering: Arizona, Texas Tech, Mississippi State, Middle Tennessee and Bowling Green
The former Florida State commit wanted to return to Florida to play college football, but it's doubtful that can happen. Recently it appeared like Middle Tennessee was primed to pull a surprise, but Arizona might be the favorite now. Rodriguez recruited Johnson while coaching at Michigan and has a good connection with prospects from Pahokee (Fla.) High School. Oklahoma also offered Johnson, who earned NJCAA All-American honorable mention as a return specialist.
Mike Pennel, DT, Scottsdale (Ariz.)
6-4, 340
Considering: Arizona State, Kansas State, Arkansas, Texas A&M and Hawaii
Pennel committed to Arkansas earlier in the process but decommitted on Dec. 5. He will not sign until February and that could force him to check out other options. Pennel has taken visits to Arkansas and Texas A&M so far. Pennel had 13 tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble.
Mohammed "Mo" Seisay, CB, Eastern Arizona
6-2, 200
Considering: Arizona, Nebraska, Ole Miss
Seisay made the Conference USA All-Freshman team in 2010 while enrolled at Memphis. As of November, he had six interceptions and returned two for touchdowns. Other offers came from Indiana, Arkansas, Kansas State, Illinois and North Carolina.
And here are some notable JC guys who have already committed to Pac-12 teams.
Alexandru Ceachir, OL, Santa Monica (Calif.)
6-5, 300
Committed to Utah
Originally from Moldova (a European country located between Romania and Ukraine), Ceachir played European club football before moving to America. He took an official visit to Colorado and also held offers from Arkansas, Fresno State and Utah.
Kyle Long, OL, Saddleback College (Calif.)
6-7, 290
Committed to Oregon
Long, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Howie Long, originally committed to FSU on a baseball scholarship and later transferred to Virginia to play football. A former ESPNU 150 prospect in 2008 out of Charlottesville (Va.) Saint Anne's-Belfield, Long was a first-team all-conference performer in 2011. He had offers from UCLA, Washington, Auburn, FSU and SMU.
Waiting on Barkley and McDonald
December, 19, 2011
12/19/11
12:00
PM PT
By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
The 2011 season ended on such a high note for the Trojans, and the team headed into the offseason waiting to hear the decisions of four draft-eligible juniors who were considering early entry into the NFL.
The news came down last week that two of the players -- left tackle Matt Kalil and defensive end Nick Perry -- were both declaring for the draft. This was not unexpected news, although USC had been hoping for the best in regards to both players.
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.