USC Football Recruiting: Michael Hutchings' Verbal Gives Trojans Top Linebacker

USC's banner 2013 recruiting season just got even better.

Concord, Calif., linebacker Michael Hutchings of De La Salle High School pulled the trigger and gave the Trojans his verbal commitment today.

Hutchings, rated Scout.com's No. 3 outside linebacker, had long been a Trojan "lean," but things got interesting when Washington made a big push in recent weeks.

However, a tell-tale sign that he would wind up a Trojan came two days ago when eight prep players gave their verbal commitments to Washington and Hutchings wasn't among them.

Growing up a USC fan made a big difference in his decision, as did his relationship with the Trojan coaches, according to Scout.com's Greg Biggins:

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"I actually made my final decision about two weeks ago. My final two were USC and Washington and I really enjoyed my visit to UW a few weeks back. For me though, USC was just a better all around fit and I felt a little more comfortable there."

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For the Trojans, they get the guy they have been targeting at the position all along. In a year where the linebacker talent out west has been somewhat thin, Hutchings is the best in the region. Fundamentally sound, well-coached and possessing excellent physical tools, Hutchings' skill set translates very well to the next level, where he will likely stay at the outside position.

With his verbal, the Trojans now have 11 players accounted for the Class of 2013. Along with Washington, Hutchings had offers from Oregon, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Michigan, among many others.