LOS ANGELES -- There is no question that national signing day for college football has taken on a life form all its own. For college football fans, it's a Mardi Gras celebration of recruiting like no other.

The whole national signing buildup, which used to be nothing more than a short sidebar story on the back page of the sports section, has become college football's version of the NFL draft. In fact, it would be safe to say that in its own domain, it's bigger than the NFL draft.

For Trojans fans, this Wednesday's signing day takes on added significance, considering the Cardinal and Gold have a 15-player limit and there is little to no margin for error. Add in the prospects of a national championship run in 2012, the return of Matt Barkley, and the probable return to postseason merriment, and you can understand why this signing day is more than business as usual.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Already an Insider? Sign in below:

• Username
• Password
• Sign In with Facebook

• ESPN The Magazine subscribers

  Activate your Insider account »

• Need more information?

  View Insider Benefits »

... or become an today

• 1 Year Membership - $3.33 a month

  Includes a 1 YEAR subscription to ESPN The Magazine - Over 62% off the regular monthly price!

• 2 Year Membership - $2.50 a month (Best Value)

  Includes a 2 YEAR subscription to ESPN The Magazine - Over72% off the regular monthly price!

• Monthly Membership - $8.95 a month
• 

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Email
• Subscribe

Greg Katz | email

Columnist, WeAreSC.com

• Follow
• Archive

• USC Trojans columnist
• Football Writers Association member
• Joined ESPN.com in 2011