USC Football Recruiting: Power Ranking Trojans' 2013 Early Enrollees

NCAA sanctions have once again failed to stop USC from putting together a top recruiting class in 2013. With quality being put above quantity, the Trojans have enough elite players that will make an impact as early as next season. And with the opportunity to earn playing time immediately, a total of six players have decided to waste no time and enroll early.

These are the guys who want to impress the coaches as quickly as they can and get a head start on the competition beginning in spring practice. The list may be a little shorter than other schools, but every 2013 recruit that is now on campus was highly recruited and has a chance to make an impact right away. Enrolling early only increases their chances of making a name for themselves and getting in on the action.

With spring practice only a couple of months away, let's break down the 2013 early enrollees for the USC Trojans.

6. Justin Davis, RB

Ranking: 4 star

What He Brings to the Table

Justin Davis is not that explosive runner that USC has been missing the last couple of years. He isn't going to burn anybody or end up making many highlight reels at the college level.

However, he is somebody who has terrific vision and enough size and strength to be a consistent runner between the tackles. He is a downhill runner who is always looking for the positive gain and could become a workhorse runner once he bulks up a bit in a year or two.

Davis does have underrated athleticism, but he is more of a power runner who can carry the workload for this Trojans offense.

Chance He Sees the Field This Year

Any Trojans fan would tell you that running back depth was an issue a year ago. There is a nice one-two punch between Silas Redd and Tre Madden, but the offense will need even more runners, especially with a young quarterback now taking over.

Davis should receive a good amount of touches in 2013, as he looks to become the full-time starter as early as his sophomore season.

5. Chris Hawkins, CB

Ranking: 4 stars

What He Brings to the Table

Anything you look for in a great cornerback, Chris Hawkins has in his toolbox. From his great closing speed, instincts on the field and his anticipation, Hawkins is truly a shutdown corner and is difficult to break free from.

He even has above-average ball skills and was absolutely dominant in the Army game earlier this year. The only concern with Hawkins is his lack of size at 6'0", 170 pounds (ESPN lists him at 159 pounds). He has all of the tools to be a great player in the secondary, but he has to bulk up quickly.

Chance He Sees the Field This Year

It really depends on how fast he is able to take advantage of the weight room and add on a few pounds. Hawkins has shown in high school All-Star games that he can shut down some of the best receivers in the country. The problem is that his lack of size doesn't allow him to be as physical as you would like and could hurt him his freshman year.

I wouldn't be surprised if Hawkins did take a redshirt, but with his playmaking ability, he is a valuable player not only on defense, but on special teams as well.

4. Leon McQuay III, S

Ranking: 5 stars

What He Brings to the Table

A playmaker in the secondary, there is really nothing Leon McQuay III can't do at the safety position. Due to his versatility, he has the ability to play either safety spot, because he is not only solid in coverage but is a terrific run defender as well.

Despite his lengthy frame at 6'2", 184 pounds, McQuay can really ruin a ballcarrier's day with an explosive hit, but he can also drop back in coverage and display great ball skills. Much like Hawkins, McQuay should take advantage of the gym and add a little bit to his upper body.

Chance He Sees the Field This Year

The 5-star recruit made a wonderful decision by arriving to school early. With a defense that lost three safeties from last year, McQuay will be given every opportunity to see the field from day one.

There is no question he will see significant minutes this season—the question really comes down to how early.

3. Kenny Bigelow, DT

Ranking: 5 stars

What He Brings to the Table

Kenny Bigelow is quick off the line for somebody who is pushing 300 pounds. He explodes off the ball, and because of his overall athleticism and speed, he could line up at many different spots on the line and create nightmares for opposing offenses.

Due to his initial burst and relentless pursuit, Bigelow will be a force at rushing the passer, but he is also somebody who will often demand double-teams and will hold his own against the run. He is easily one of the best defensive linemen in the 2013 class.

Chance He Sees the Field This Year

USC will return one of the better defensive lines in the conference, which will include Pac-12 second-team member in Morgan Breslin. But even with the depth up front, Bigelow will see the field this season due to his overall athleticism and ability to rush the passer.

You can never have enough great defensive linemen, and this 5-star recruit gives the Trojans another option to work with on the defensive front.  

2. Su'a Cravens, S

Ranking: 5 stars

What He Brings to the Table

When you are talking about one of the best overall recruits, you likely end up with somebody who can do a little bit of everything. That is exactly what Su'a Cravens brings to the conversation.

With his ball skills, he could play either side of the ball for the Trojans. On defense, he is comfortable going stride for stride with a receiver and has shown he can get his hands dirty in run support. His instincts are top-notch, and he seems to always be at the right place to make a play for his team.

Chance He Sees the Field This Year

Similar to what was said with Leon McQuay III, Cravens will have every chance to make an impact with depth in the defensive backfield taking a hit. But due to his versatility, Cravens could see action on special teams and offense in his first year, making him somebody who will see the field quite a bit in 2013.

1. Max Browne, QB

Ranking: 5 stars

What He Brings to the Table

Absolutely anything and everything you look for in a guy who plays the quarterback position. Max Browne has the arm strength and the accuracy, and he makes great decisions with the ball for somebody who is still young.

He isn't a dual-threat quarterback, but he's much more mobile than Matt Barkley and does a good job of avoiding pressure and buying more time by rolling out. Browne is considered by many to be the top quarterback prospect in 2013 and is the future of this program at the position.

Chance He Sees the Field This Year

The verdict is still out on Browne and if he will even suit up this season. Max Wittek is easily the favorite to become the starter, and there is nothing Browne will be able to do about that.

However, I could see him winning the No. 2 job ahead of Cody Kessler if given the opportunity. Browne likely isn't going to do much in 2013, but the future starts as early as 2014, and it is bright with this young man leading the way.