Quick updates on our current commitments:
- Dillon Baxter, RB
Status: Soft Verbal
Prediction: USC
Dillon took the news of Pete leaving hard and has been looking around. He's scheduled to take an official visit to Oregon this weekend and Florida the following. Chip Kelly is selling Dillon on being the next running QB in the Oregon spread offense; Urban is selling Dillon on being an all-everything back/receiver.
In the end, I think Dillon stays committed to SC, although I'm not as confident about it as before. Right now SC has the advantage in that the competing schools are far from home and run a very different system from SC. The cohesiveness of the current class should help, especially with kids like Kyle Prater and Robert Woods constantly in his ear. I think a solid visit from the coaches will seal this recruitment.
- Robert Woods, WR
Status: Solid Verbal
Prediction: USC
Robert didn't seem phased at all by Pete's departure. Robert and his dad are set on SC, and with Damian headed to the draft, Woods has a solid shot to earn PT as a freshman. My knock on him has always been his route-running, but watching him at the Army All-American game/practices, I was very impressed with how much he's tightened up his routes.
- Kyle Prater, WR
Status: Solid Verbal (Early Enrollee)
Prediction: USC
After a shaky weekend, Kyle solidified his recruitment with the hiring of CLK and will enroll in classes on Monday. It's always made sense for Kyle to come to SC due to our pro system. Kyle needs to be in a pro-set to fully utilize his size and talents as a possession receiver.
- Xavier Grimble, TE
Status: Verbal
Prediction: USC
There were some rumors that Xavier was shaky with his commitment post-Carroll news and UCLA fans were even stating that he was a lean in their favor. Xavier was supposed to take an official visit to UCLA this weekend, but it looks like he's changed his mind and will head to SC instead. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up doing both. Xavier seems to really like the new coaching staff, so this should be a big weekend in solidifying his commitment.
- Randall Telfer, TE
Status: Solid Verbal
Prediction: USC
He started a Facebook group called "Let's keep the 2010 USC Football recruiting class together!!" Enough said.
- George Uko, DT
Status: Verbal
Prediction: USC
I'm going to say this is just a verbal for now, even though I've heard George is still firm on coming to SC. Why? Because Jethro Franklin, SC's D-Line coach, is likely on his way out, and whenever a position coach is lost, it can change things up in recruiting. I still feel confident that George will stick it out, especially with Ed Orgeron as the replacement, but until the coaches are set, it's hard to say.
- Dion Bailey, S
Status: Solid Verbal
Prediction: USC
All I've heard is the Lakewood boys are solid.
- Jesse Scroggins, QB
Status: Solid Verbal
Prediction: USC
Jesse considered Tennessee before, so it only makes sense that his commitment is solid. Also see above.
- D.J. Morgan, RB
Status: Solid Verbal
Prediction: USC
Had good things to say about Lane Kiffin. Looks solid.
- Demetrius Wright, CB/S
Status: Solid Verbal
Prediction: USC
Kid committed the day after the Pete news dropped. Enough said.
- Giovanni Di Poalo, OL
Status: Soft Verbal
Prediction: USC
He wants to meet with the new coaches before reaffirming his commitment. I feel good about this considering he's been committed to SC, stayed steady throughout, and plays a position that is of high need. If the coaches feel he fits the system then I feel confident about him solidifying his commitment.
- Anthony Brown, CB
Status: Solid Verbal
Prediction: USC
Never wavered on his commitment, even after the Carroll news. Another underrated kid that will be a solid corner one day. Hope coaches feel the same way.
- Dak Smith, DT
Status: Solid Verbal
Prediction: Coaching Change Casualty
He's always been a project kid for Carroll; someone who has great size but is extremely raw and has questionable work ethic. It'll be interesting to see whether the new coaching staff will want to continue the project Carroll left behind. I'll guess no.
- Matt Darr, P
Status: Solid Verbal
Prediction: USC
Looked great at Army AA. As long as the coaches want him, Matt looks solid to SC.
- Brice Schwab, OT
Status: Decommit
Prediction: Somewhere Else
Talk is Brice will have to go back to JUCO for Spring semester (he was planning to be an early enrollee). I think he ends up elsewhere.
So I have everyone in except Dak Smith and Brice Schwab. I've been impressed with how tight-knit the class has become and their genuine desire to become Trojans. Without a question, we have a shot at a top 3 class this year. That is simply amazing considering how turbulent this off-season has been.
