USC Football Recruiting 2012: Freshmen Who Will Become Trojan Stars

The Trojans will enter this 2012 season as one of the favorites to win the Pac-12 and the BCS national title. Heritage Hall will be full of chatter about Matt Barkley being a Heisman candidate, whether the Trojans indeed have the two best receivers in the country and how much improvement the defense will show after a solid performance last season.

However, I'm here to talk about the youngin's. Which incoming freshmen will be pillars of future great Trojan teams? They're going to have to be because the effects of the scholarship sanctions will really be felt in the coming years.

USC signed a top 15 class this 2012 recruiting cycle, which of these recruits will be stars?

5. Scott Starr, LB

Starr has drawn some Brian Cushing comparisons from, well, everybody. He's a 6'3" 235-pound OLB that can rush the passer as a stand-up end, plug the run from the edges and provide some coverage in the flats.

SC is sewn up at LB right now, so Starr may have to wait a season or two before impacting the way he wants to. But when he does, I think his instincts, solid play speed and tenacity will serve well as a standout. 

4. Leonard Williams, DT

USC lured Williams out of Florida on NSD and there's a chance he could see some snaps this year as a true freshman. He's a 6'5" 265-pound DT with excellent ability.

What makes Williams a potential star is his play strength, ability to flat-back and his use of hands to shed and escape. He can stop, stack and toss blockers with ease, allowing him to combat the run.

He's also an excellent athlete and can push the pocket well with good quickness in the trenches. Look for him to be a starter soon and become a playmaker on DT.

3. Jabari Ruffin, LB

Another defensive player, I know, but Ruffin should be a good one. I've been high on him since last year as I like his 6'4" 230-pound frame and athleticism.

The Downey High product has the solid instincts, play strength, speed and range to play the flanks on the second level. He likely won't impact as a true freshman, but like I mentioned with Scott Starr, in a few seasons he should be a starter.

2. Nelson Agholor, WR/DB

Looks like Agholor wants to play WR and USC will oblige. He's a 6'2" 180-pound athletic marvel with easy hip movement, speed, agility, quickness, elusiveness and playmaking skills.

I thought Agholor would make a fine FS, but if he wants to be a WR, then I think he's more than athletic enough to excel. He'll need to refine his game and work on some fine points to learn the position, but look for this guy to be a star at USC.

1. Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick, TE

Cope-Fitzpatrick was nearly going to be an OL, but he slimmed down to stick at TE. Now he stands a solid 6'5" 250 pounds and looks like he won't just be an extra OL on the field.

I liked what I saw from him at the UA game as he displayed good hands, a large catch radius, ability to release clean off the line, good speed in his routes and an ability to play big and strong in the seams.

USC has a good wealth of talent on the TE depth chart, but Cope-Fitzpatrick will be the starter in a few seasons and should be one of the better tight ends in the Pac-12 by then.