USC Trojans

Pac-12
Commentary

Trojans emphasize books on junior day

USC's emphasis on the academic side of the university draws raves from visitors

Updated: February 14, 2012, 2:28 PM ET
By Erik McKinney | We Are SC
LOS ANGELES -- During Sunday's junior day, the USC staff could have chosen several different talking points to hammer home to dozens of the best football recruits the West Coast has to offer.

Coming off a 10-2 season, the promise of a bright future and a potential run at a national championship would have been an easy way to grab the attention of the recruits in attendance. With Heisman Trophies, national championships and one of the country's winningest programs, tradition and history would have been an easy sell. But Lane Kiffin and staff went a different direction, forgoing playbooks for, well, books. And it paid off in a big way with many of the attendees.

Led by a presentation from athletic director Pat Haden, USC coaches made a point to showcase the academic advantage of becoming a Trojan.

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Erik McKinney | email

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

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