USC Trojans

Pac-12
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Where the commits fit

A breakdown of USC's 11 commits and where they'll fit, both next year and in the future

Updated: December 30, 2011, 2:21 PM ET
By Erik McKinney | We Are SC
LOS ANGELES -- With one month until signing day and several available scholarships, verbal commitments could come at any time for the USC coaches. But before any new names are added to the commitment list, WeAreSC looks at the current commits and projects how they will fit into the roster, both immediately and down the road.

Gerald Bowman -- Safety (6-foot-1, 215 pounds)
Bowman is a junior college transfer who hopes to enroll early and get a head start on his USC career. He has the size, ability and physical presence to make an impact in his first season and immediately should slide in behind starter T.J. McDonald. The USC defensive coaches force all safeties to learn both free and strong safety, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Bowman spell McDonald as well as Jawanza Starling this fall, as he battles with returning safeties Drew McAllister and Demetrius Wright.

Bowman is also a player who could be targeted by special teams coach John Baxter to play on both return and coverage units. Even though McDonald chose to return for his senior season at free safety, Bowman was still a huge addition to this recruiting class, as he will be able to learn behind two senior starters this season before possibly taking over one of the spots in 2013. He also could give the USC defensive coaches some options as a player who could drop into the box and serve as a safety/linebacker hybrid in certain packages due to his speed and tackling ability.

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Erik McKinney | email

Reporter, RecruitingNation
  • Covers recruiting in the West
  • Joined ESPN in 2009

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