USC Trojans

Pac-12
Commentary

Re-establishing in-state pipeline

USC looks to rebound in California after losing out on several in-state prospects

Updated: February 28, 2012, 3:26 PM ET
By Erik McKinney | We Are SC
LOS ANGELES -- Lane Kiffin and the USC Trojans signed an impressive recruiting class earlier this month, but it wasn't perfect. Besides not landing a pure impact defensive tackle, the Trojans also signed just one of the top five players in California who held USC offers. That comes on the heels of the 2011 class, when USC signed six of the state's top 10 prospects and eight of the top 13.

USC again will be faced with scholarship reductions with the class of 2013 and likely will look to in-state recruits to form the backbone of the class. After taking a look at 10 high priority out-of-state prospects last week, WeAreSC offers 10 recruits who could become the most wanted in-state members of USC's 2013 recruiting class.

1. LB Su'a Cravens (Murrieta/Vista Murrieta)
Cravens is arguably California's most coveted prospect and would be a tremendous addition to USC's class, not only as a top defender but as a sign that the Trojans still can attract the state's top talent. He has said he will take his time with his decision, despite looking to enroll early at his college of choice. Arkansas and Oklahoma made strong early impressions, but USC has come on in a big way and could be the team to beat. There isn't the need to add linebackers in this class the way there was in the previous two, but Cravens has the ability to play outside linebacker or safety and is the type of athlete you simply make room for, no matter the numbers situation.

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Erik McKinney | email

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

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