Davis enjoys in-depth look at USC 
November, 29, 2011
11/29/11
11:40
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
Taking a far different approach than just about every other FBS program, the USC Trojans finished the regular season having hosted exactly one official visitor. It occurred this past weekend, as linebacker Noor Davis (Leesburg, Fla./Leesburg) journeyed across the country to check out the Trojans.
Davis has been committed to Stanford for several months and maintains that he is very comfortable with that decision. But he wants to be completely confident when it comes time to sign his letter of intent, so Davis has recently taken official visits to Auburn and USC, and will host in-home visits from various coaches in the coming weeks.
For the visit to USC, Davis was accompanied by his uncle, who lives in Los Angeles.The USC coaches allowed him to see exactly being a linebacker at USC would be like, as he was hosted by Anthony Sarao and Hayes Pullard. Davis was also afforded the opportunity to sit in on all meetings and basically become a part of the team for his 48 hours.
Davis has been committed to Stanford for several months and maintains that he is very comfortable with that decision. But he wants to be completely confident when it comes time to sign his letter of intent, so Davis has recently taken official visits to Auburn and USC, and will host in-home visits from various coaches in the coming weeks.
For the visit to USC, Davis was accompanied by his uncle, who lives in Los Angeles.The USC coaches allowed him to see exactly being a linebacker at USC would be like, as he was hosted by Anthony Sarao and Hayes Pullard. Davis was also afforded the opportunity to sit in on all meetings and basically become a part of the team for his 48 hours.
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1) There are four positions where the Trojans are likely to have a player consider early entry to the NFL draft -- quarterback, left tackle, defensive end and free safety. Coincidentally, these four spots are pretty wide open in terms of a clear-cut successor to the current starter.
If Matt Barkley leaves, any one of the three backups could end up being the starting quarterback next year. The primary backup to Matt Kalil at left tackle is walk-on Nathan Guertler. Could current starting right tackle Kevin Graf or his backup, freshman Aundrey Walker, flip over if Kalil leaves? Kevin Greene has yet to show that he is ready to contribute behind Nick Perry at defensive end. Things look good for the emergence of Greg Townsend, but he will still only be a redshirt freshman next year. Drew McAllister is pretty game-tested behind T.J. McDonald at free safety, but his health is going to be an issue if he's expected to be the full-time guy.
Any way you look at it, the Trojans are either going to need to fill some big holes in a hurry or at least start to develop some eventual replacements.
If Matt Barkley leaves, any one of the three backups could end up being the starting quarterback next year. The primary backup to Matt Kalil at left tackle is walk-on Nathan Guertler. Could current starting right tackle Kevin Graf or his backup, freshman Aundrey Walker, flip over if Kalil leaves? Kevin Greene has yet to show that he is ready to contribute behind Nick Perry at defensive end. Things look good for the emergence of Greg Townsend, but he will still only be a redshirt freshman next year. Drew McAllister is pretty game-tested behind T.J. McDonald at free safety, but his health is going to be an issue if he's expected to be the full-time guy.
Any way you look at it, the Trojans are either going to need to fill some big holes in a hurry or at least start to develop some eventual replacements.
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2012 OL enjoys visit to Ann Arbor
November, 29, 2011
11/29/11
10:39
AM PT
By
Tom VanHaaren | ESPN.com
The Michigan coaches have already secured five offensive line commitments for the 2012 class but are still looking to add one more elite lineman. They have already built an outstanding class that includes four-stars Kyle Kalis (Cleveland/St. Edward) and Erik Magnuson (Carlsbad, Calif./La Costa Canyon).
With a limited number of prospects still on the board it is imperative for Michigan to put its best foot forward with every opportunity.
This past weekend the Wolverines had the chance to host Josh Garnett (Puyallup, Wash./Puyallup), the eighth-ranked offensive tackle in the country.
With a limited number of prospects still on the board it is imperative for Michigan to put its best foot forward with every opportunity.
This past weekend the Wolverines had the chance to host Josh Garnett (Puyallup, Wash./Puyallup), the eighth-ranked offensive tackle in the country.
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Things have been relatively quiet on the recruiting trail for defensive lineman Aziz Shittu (Atwater, Calif./Buhach Colony). The big tackle has taken just one official visit thus far but could be close to setting a few trips in the near future.
Shittu visited Texas A&M during the season and also took unofficial visits to Cal and Stanford. He had never seen a college football game live prior to those visits and said he loved the excitement at all three schools.
“It was pretty cool being that close to the action,” Shittu said. “I had a good time at all three schools and the visit to A&M was pretty cool. Football is huge in Texas obviously and I saw that first hand. Right now, I’m looking at the Pac 12 though and I just want to stay a little closer to home to play college ball.”
Shittu visited Texas A&M during the season and also took unofficial visits to Cal and Stanford. He had never seen a college football game live prior to those visits and said he loved the excitement at all three schools.
“It was pretty cool being that close to the action,” Shittu said. “I had a good time at all three schools and the visit to A&M was pretty cool. Football is huge in Texas obviously and I saw that first hand. Right now, I’m looking at the Pac 12 though and I just want to stay a little closer to home to play college ball.”
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Kelvin York updates commitment status
November, 28, 2011
11/28/11
8:28
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
Kelvin York attended junior college in California to increase his chances of one day playing for the USC Trojans, so it was no surprise when he immediately accepted a scholarship offer from recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron. But after suffering an MCL sprain early in the year and meniscus damage that will require surgery in mid-December, things aren't quite as clear-cut at this point.
"As of right now with USC, I don't know what's going on," York said, adding that the coaches know about his injury issues and are deciding how to proceed. "They haven't made a final decision on what they're going to do and they have to be careful because of the scholarship limits. So I don't know at this time."
York called himself "open as of right now" in terms of his recruitment, but added that he hoped to hear from coach Ed Orgeron by Thursday -- one week after York spoke with the coach initially about the situation.
"As of right now with USC, I don't know what's going on," York said, adding that the coaches know about his injury issues and are deciding how to proceed. "They haven't made a final decision on what they're going to do and they have to be careful because of the scholarship limits. So I don't know at this time."
York called himself "open as of right now" in terms of his recruitment, but added that he hoped to hear from coach Ed Orgeron by Thursday -- one week after York spoke with the coach initially about the situation.
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Here’s our initial reaction to the All Pac-12 teams as it relates to USC players:
QB – As good as Matt Barkley played, it’s hard to argue with the body of work put up by Andrew Luck. Two really good players right there.
RB – It was good to see Curtis McNeal get an honorable mention. He certainly deserved it.
WR – Both Robert Woods and Keenan Allen were worthy of first-team honors but by the end of the year Marqise Lee – who was named to the second team -- was playing better than anybody. Lee was also the co-freshman of the year on offense.
TE – Pleasantly surprised to see Randall Telfer get honorable mention.
OL – Matt Kalil certainly deserved first-team honors and it was good to see Holmes recognized on the second team.
DL – Good for you Nick Perry, as a strong finish to the season helped launch him to the first team. Also nice to see Wes Horton get rewarded with a second-team mention. Christian Tupou played well enough on one knee to get honorable mention.
LB – Dion Bailey goes from a deep reserve at safety to the freshman defensive player of the year and a second-team linebacker. The coaches should get a huge tip of the cap for this position switch. Hayes Pullard came on strong at the end of the year to earn honorable mention.
DB – After all his troubles with the conference it is fitting for T.J. McDonald to still get first-team honors based upon his overall level of play. Nickell Robey was a well-deserving first-team honoree as well. I’m somewhat surprised Jawanza Starling didn’t get honorable mention.
ST – That is amazing for Andre Heidari to get first team as a true freshman. Rhett Ellison needed to get first-team recognition for something so it was good to see it happen here.
Coach – With no disrespect to David Shaw, this honor should have gone to Lane Kiffin.
QB – As good as Matt Barkley played, it’s hard to argue with the body of work put up by Andrew Luck. Two really good players right there.
RB – It was good to see Curtis McNeal get an honorable mention. He certainly deserved it.
WR – Both Robert Woods and Keenan Allen were worthy of first-team honors but by the end of the year Marqise Lee – who was named to the second team -- was playing better than anybody. Lee was also the co-freshman of the year on offense.
TE – Pleasantly surprised to see Randall Telfer get honorable mention.
OL – Matt Kalil certainly deserved first-team honors and it was good to see Holmes recognized on the second team.
DL – Good for you Nick Perry, as a strong finish to the season helped launch him to the first team. Also nice to see Wes Horton get rewarded with a second-team mention. Christian Tupou played well enough on one knee to get honorable mention.
LB – Dion Bailey goes from a deep reserve at safety to the freshman defensive player of the year and a second-team linebacker. The coaches should get a huge tip of the cap for this position switch. Hayes Pullard came on strong at the end of the year to earn honorable mention.
DB – After all his troubles with the conference it is fitting for T.J. McDonald to still get first-team honors based upon his overall level of play. Nickell Robey was a well-deserving first-team honoree as well. I’m somewhat surprised Jawanza Starling didn’t get honorable mention.
ST – That is amazing for Andre Heidari to get first team as a true freshman. Rhett Ellison needed to get first-team recognition for something so it was good to see it happen here.
Coach – With no disrespect to David Shaw, this honor should have gone to Lane Kiffin.
First Team Offense Second Team Offense
QB Andrew Luck, Jr., Stanford (2) QB Matt Barkley, Jr., USC
RB LaMichael James, Jr., Oregon (2) RB Stepfan Taylor, Jr., Stanford
QB Andrew Luck, Jr., Stanford (2) QB Matt Barkley, Jr., USC
RB LaMichael James, Jr., Oregon (2) RB Stepfan Taylor, Jr., Stanford
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Cope-Fitzpatrick enjoys visit to Oregon
November, 28, 2011
11/28/11
12:40
PM PT
By Greg Biggins | ESPN.com
Tight end Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick took an official visit to Oregon over the weekend and said he learned a great deal about the Ducks and their offense.
“I really liked the visit a lot,” Cope-Fitzpatrick said. “I heard rumors that they don’t use the tight end much but nothing could be further from the truth. Oregon always has a good tight end and they’re a big focal point of the offense. You watch the highlights on ESPN and you see the long touchdowns runs and throws, but their tight ends get a lot of love.
“David Paulsen is a great player and he’s graduating. They only have one other guy on the roster so the depth chart looks great. I think the high point for me though was just meeting the people of Oregon. Everyone I met and I mean everyone was great to me. I even loved the guys at airport security in the Eugene airport. The fans are incredible and I got along great with all the players on the team, it was just a really good visit.”
“I really liked the visit a lot,” Cope-Fitzpatrick said. “I heard rumors that they don’t use the tight end much but nothing could be further from the truth. Oregon always has a good tight end and they’re a big focal point of the offense. You watch the highlights on ESPN and you see the long touchdowns runs and throws, but their tight ends get a lot of love.
“David Paulsen is a great player and he’s graduating. They only have one other guy on the roster so the depth chart looks great. I think the high point for me though was just meeting the people of Oregon. Everyone I met and I mean everyone was great to me. I even loved the guys at airport security in the Eugene airport. The fans are incredible and I got along great with all the players on the team, it was just a really good visit.”
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Lane Kiffin held his final media conference call of the season on Sunday. Here were some of the comments from the coach:
"It’s really special to play that way in the final game of the season. This has been a unique group of kids -- a very special group -- and it’s a fitting memory that this game will be the final memory of seeing them on the field."
"It was special because it means more when you put a lot of energy and passion into something and it works. Rhett Ellison said it was the hardest spring he had in five years at USC. The way they continued that work ethic right up until the end was something. They never changed who they were or how they worked. I was so happy to see them beat their rival that way, they will be telling that story forever."
"It’s really special to play that way in the final game of the season. This has been a unique group of kids -- a very special group -- and it’s a fitting memory that this game will be the final memory of seeing them on the field."
"It was special because it means more when you put a lot of energy and passion into something and it works. Rhett Ellison said it was the hardest spring he had in five years at USC. The way they continued that work ethic right up until the end was something. They never changed who they were or how they worked. I was so happy to see them beat their rival that way, they will be telling that story forever."
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Mickens talks Washington official visit
November, 27, 2011
11/27/11
8:53
PM PT
By Greg Biggins | ESPN.com
Jaydon Mickens (Los Angels, Calif./Dorsey) took his first official visit to Washington this past weekend. Mickens committed early to USC and said he’s still solid with the Trojans but the Huskies gave him a lot to think about.
“The visit was incredible,” Mickens said. “This was my first time there I really liked it a lot. The game atmosphere was awesome and there was great energy there the whole time. The players, coaches and fans all were jacked up the whole time and it was fun to be a part of that.
“Before the game, being around the players and coaches and watching how hyped up they get was a lot of fun. Coach Sark [Steve Sarkisian] is from USC, and he brings a lot of that same high energy, fast tempo stuff that USC does. I have a good relationship with the coaches, and I know a lot of the players on the team. The campus is really nice and Seattle is a big city -- a lot like Los Angeles, just a little colder.”
“The visit was incredible,” Mickens said. “This was my first time there I really liked it a lot. The game atmosphere was awesome and there was great energy there the whole time. The players, coaches and fans all were jacked up the whole time and it was fun to be a part of that.
“Before the game, being around the players and coaches and watching how hyped up they get was a lot of fun. Coach Sark [Steve Sarkisian] is from USC, and he brings a lot of that same high energy, fast tempo stuff that USC does. I have a good relationship with the coaches, and I know a lot of the players on the team. The campus is really nice and Seattle is a big city -- a lot like Los Angeles, just a little colder.”
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Fresno contingent hits the Coliseum
November, 27, 2011
11/27/11
6:54
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
A large contingent of Fresno-area players made the trip south to watch the Trojans dismantle the Bruins on Saturday night. Among them were 2012 WR Deontay Greenberry (Notre Dame commit), 2013 ATH Hatari Byrd, 2013 S L.J. Moore and 2013 CB Johnny Johnson.
Johnson said it was the first time the close friends all traveled to a game together.
"It was fun," Johnson said of the experience and the atmosphere at the Coliseum. "It was not a real good game because of the score, but the things USC was able to do looked very nice."
Johnson said it was the first time the close friends all traveled to a game together.
"It was fun," Johnson said of the experience and the atmosphere at the Coliseum. "It was not a real good game because of the score, but the things USC was able to do looked very nice."
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Among the recruits spotted at the Coliseum for the season final between USC and UCLA Saturday night:
OL Jordan Simmons (Encino, Calif./Crespi)
LB Scott Starr (Norco, Calif./Norco)
OL Jordan Simmons (Encino, Calif./Crespi)
LB Scott Starr (Norco, Calif./Norco)
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Instant Analysis: USC 50, UCLA 0
November, 26, 2011
11/26/11
10:41
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
Best Player: Quarterback Matt Barkley
Barkley did what he wanted when he wanted against the UCLA defense, completing 35 of 42 passes for 423 yards and six touchdowns. He connected on 19 of his first 20 passes and had a streak of 13 consecutive completions. If this does prove to be Barkley’s final game in cardinal and gold, he couldn’t have finished his USC career on a much more positive note.
Record Breakers: Barkley and wide receiver Robert Woods
Barkley set USC and Pac-12 single-season records for passing touchdowns in a season, as his six against the Bruins pushed his season total to 39, breaking Matt Leinart’s record. His 35 completions also established a new USC record for completions in a game. Robert Woods rewrote some history of his own, as he finished with 12 receptions, giving him 111 on the season and surpassing Keyshawn Johnson’s USC and Pac-12 record of 102.
Turning Point: USC’s early goal-line stand
The Trojans made a statement by taking the opening kickoff and marching for a touchdown in four plays, but the USC defense came up big on the ensuing possession when faced with a fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line. Jawanza Starling and Dion Bailey combined for the tackle, and the rout was on.
Key Stat: Catches for Woods and wide receiver Marqise Lee
For the first time in USC history, two players recorded double-digit receptions in the same game. Lee finished with 13 grabs while Woods had 12, and the young duo combined for 337 receiving yards and four touchdowns. The UCLA secondary was no match, and the USC offense clicked immediately as both were involved early and often.
What USC learned in this game: This might be the start of something special
This was not a dynamic UCLA team, but the Trojans imposed their will in every facet of the game and ended the season by proving they are one of the country’s dominant teams. USC was clearly the class of the Pac-12 South this season, and with so much youth on this roster, the Trojans could be poised for a special season in 2012.
Barkley did what he wanted when he wanted against the UCLA defense, completing 35 of 42 passes for 423 yards and six touchdowns. He connected on 19 of his first 20 passes and had a streak of 13 consecutive completions. If this does prove to be Barkley’s final game in cardinal and gold, he couldn’t have finished his USC career on a much more positive note.
Record Breakers: Barkley and wide receiver Robert Woods
Barkley set USC and Pac-12 single-season records for passing touchdowns in a season, as his six against the Bruins pushed his season total to 39, breaking Matt Leinart’s record. His 35 completions also established a new USC record for completions in a game. Robert Woods rewrote some history of his own, as he finished with 12 receptions, giving him 111 on the season and surpassing Keyshawn Johnson’s USC and Pac-12 record of 102.
Turning Point: USC’s early goal-line stand
The Trojans made a statement by taking the opening kickoff and marching for a touchdown in four plays, but the USC defense came up big on the ensuing possession when faced with a fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line. Jawanza Starling and Dion Bailey combined for the tackle, and the rout was on.
Key Stat: Catches for Woods and wide receiver Marqise Lee
For the first time in USC history, two players recorded double-digit receptions in the same game. Lee finished with 13 grabs while Woods had 12, and the young duo combined for 337 receiving yards and four touchdowns. The UCLA secondary was no match, and the USC offense clicked immediately as both were involved early and often.
What USC learned in this game: This might be the start of something special
This was not a dynamic UCLA team, but the Trojans imposed their will in every facet of the game and ended the season by proving they are one of the country’s dominant teams. USC was clearly the class of the Pac-12 South this season, and with so much youth on this roster, the Trojans could be poised for a special season in 2012.
Halftime Analysis: USC 29 - UCLA 0
November, 26, 2011
11/26/11
8:57
PM PT
By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
Best player on the field
Matt Barkley. The Trojans are hoping to earn Barkley an invitation tonight to the Heisman ceremony, and Barkley certainly is doing his part. At one point he hit 13 passes in a row and so far in the game he is 22-of-27 for 215 yards and three touchdowns.
Record Night
It has been a big night for the USC wide receivers. Robert Woods set a new Pac-12 and USC record for most catches in a season (he set the mark with 103). Marqise Lee also went over 1,000 yards receiving for the season in this game. It’s only the fourth time in USC history that the Trojans have had two receivers go over 1,000 yards in a season.
Big Play
Curtis McNeal got on the board with a 73-yard touchdown dash down the left sideline. McNeal had only one other carry in the first half.
Turning Point
USC goal-line stand. The Trojans had scored a TD on their opening drive, but the Bruins took their opening drive 79 yards in 12 plays down to the Trojans 9-yard line. The first three run plays got the ball to the 1-yard line but a fourth-down run was stuffed by Jawanza Starling and Dion Bailey.
Matt Barkley. The Trojans are hoping to earn Barkley an invitation tonight to the Heisman ceremony, and Barkley certainly is doing his part. At one point he hit 13 passes in a row and so far in the game he is 22-of-27 for 215 yards and three touchdowns.
Record Night
It has been a big night for the USC wide receivers. Robert Woods set a new Pac-12 and USC record for most catches in a season (he set the mark with 103). Marqise Lee also went over 1,000 yards receiving for the season in this game. It’s only the fourth time in USC history that the Trojans have had two receivers go over 1,000 yards in a season.
Big Play
Curtis McNeal got on the board with a 73-yard touchdown dash down the left sideline. McNeal had only one other carry in the first half.
Turning Point
USC goal-line stand. The Trojans had scored a TD on their opening drive, but the Bruins took their opening drive 79 yards in 12 plays down to the Trojans 9-yard line. The first three run plays got the ball to the 1-yard line but a fourth-down run was stuffed by Jawanza Starling and Dion Bailey.
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.