Who Will Be The Next To Leave USC?

As I reported last night, the University of Richmond officially confirmed that Aaron Corp will begin classes there on Monday, and he will be eligible immediately to compete at the quarterback position.

Corp will have a chance to do something that none of the quarterbacks at USC have ever been able to do: compete in an actual playoff to determine a national champion.

In case you're wondering, Richmond has been in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs the past three years. In 2008, the Spiders won the FCS National Championship.

This year a last-second loss to Appalachian State in the quarterfinals kept the 11-2 Spiders from repeating.  However, they did win CAA football titles this year and in 2007. 

Corp's departure leaves Mitch Mustain and incoming freshman Jesse Scroggins to backup Matt Barkley.  Or does it?

I feel there is a good chance that Mustain may follow Corp's lead and bail out as the stand-in in the Matt Barkley Show.  That would leave only Scroggins as the backup to Barkley.

Don't think Scroggins isn't excited by Corp's departure.  The Lakewood High senior has no intention of red-shirting in 2010.  He's coming to USC to compete.

Here is what Scroggins posted on My Facebook: "'aaron korp has transferd I get to wear #15 next year. Did someone say Ima redshirt? Well see''

(The spelling and grammar are solely Scroggins' and not mine, which leaves some doubt as to his academic eligibility.)

Corp is the second USC player to transfer in less than a month.  Back in December, linebacker Uno Kavienga transferred to BYU.  Will Mustain be the next?

The Jan. 15 deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft is just about a week away.  If I were to place a bet, I would put my money on Joe McKnight turning pro.

More than likely he is waiting to see if there will be a quick resolution to the investigation of his possible violation of NCAA rules for driving a Land Rover owned by a local marketing executive.

McKnight, a 1,000-yard rusher, could use another year of eligibility to showcase his talents for pro scouts.  But he may forgo that year and join Cal's Jahvid Best in the NFL Draft should the investigation drag on, as these things have a tendency to do.

A departure of another kind is also anticipated.  At least one of the USC coaches is almost certain to leave.  The Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune have both reported that USC quarterbacks coach, Jeremy Bates, has spoken with the Chicago Bears regarding their opening for an offensive coordinator.

One factor in Bates' favor is his relationship with franchise quarterback, Jay Cutler, whom he coached when both Cutler and Bates were with the Denver Broncos.

Speaking of the Broncos, their former coach, Mike Shanahan, was just hired by the Redskins as head coach and executive v.p. of football operations.  That could be another open door back into the NFL for Bates.

Now that the BCS National Championship has been decided, the 2009 season can be laid to rest.  With 2010 officially on the horizon, college football's hot stove league is already warming up both in SoCal and across the nation.  

It should be getting red hot between now and National Signing Day.  I expect to see a lot of heat flaming up this Saturday at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.  Be sure to catch it on NBC at 12 Noon CST, 10 AM PST.