Unfortunately for USC Fans…

That seems to be the gist of many reports, rumors and innuendo circulating around the internet this week.  Much of it has a decidedly Southern flavor.

Or perhaps angst would be a better word.

In any event, those reports of USC’s demise are not only premature but seriously exaggerated.

Car accidents, heavy partying, and fraternizing with co-eds and the like have absolutely nothing to do with USC.  Any of the aforementioned that may pertain to Lane Kiffin did not occur during his current or previous employment with USC.

From what I gather, the car accident occurred back in August 2009, while Kiffin was the head football coach at the University of Tennessee.  If for any reason there was a cover up or failure to investigate certain alleged improprieties, that reflects on the University of Tennessee and its athletic department, not on USC.

No one can expect USC to have been aware or to have investigated any such improprieties that occurred under the jurisdiction of another university if that particular university and its administration failed to investigate and disclose its findings.

In other words, it is the University of Tennessee and its athletic department that will suffer should the media now uncover any sort of scandalous activity surrounding its football program last year.

Heads will surely roll—Volunteer heads, not Trojan ones.

Lane Kiffin was offered the job at USC not for anything particular that he did or did not do at Tennessee.  He was named head coach at USC because of the job he did here previously as wide receivers coach and co-offensive coordinator. 

As Pete Carroll’s protégé, Kiffin was considered a coach who could continue Carroll’s winning tradition.  He also brought with him two well-respected coaches, Monte Kiffin, Lane’s father and designer of the Tampa 2 defense, and Ed Orgeron, a tireless recruiter.

Even with the resignation of Pete Carroll, the recruiting class had remained mostly intact.  Why?  Because this is USC. 

Recruits are committing to a school, to a program with a rich history.  They come to USC not only to play football, but to get one of the finest educations anywhere.

The program will continue no matter who is the coach.  The winning tradition will continue as well and will always be the focus for NFL scouts.

Although Lane Kiffin and Ed Orgeron have only been here a little over a week, they are doing an outstanding job of following up on the efforts of Pete Carroll’s staff.

Yesterday, Kyle Prater, the No. 4 wide receiver in the nation, who expressed some doubt when Pete Carroll resigned, enrolled at USC. 

Dillon Baxter, who set a California record for touchdowns scored (79) and, like Prater, expressed concern over Carroll’s resignation, today committed to USC after speaking with Lane Kiffin.  He will enroll next week.

Robert Woods, the top wide receiver in California, remains committed to USC, as do tight ends Xavier Grimble and Randall Telfer, running back D.J. Morgan, and quarterback Jesse Scroggins.

When he was an assistant coach at USC, Kiffin coached three All-American wide receivers—Mike Williams, Dwayne Jarrett, and Steve Smith.

Besides the recruits previously on the list, Kiffin and Orgeron have added some new names. 

They have extended an offer to defensive lineman Michael Thornton.  Defensive back Nickell Robey plans to pay USC an official visit, as does Demar Dorsey, who canceled a visit to Florida.

Sean Parker also paid a visit to USC and the Marshall School of Business.  Parker is an excellent student, as well as a hard-hitting safety ranked No. 6 by Rivals.com. 

Parker was especially impressed with Monte Kiffin, as the two spoke about Monte’s Tampa 2 defense.

So, unfortunately for USC fans…

…the 2010 season is still seven long months away.  But it will be well worth the wait.