Laying the Foundation: USC Football Recruiting in 2009 (George Uko)

The Trojans got a very nice Christmas present today when it was announced that George Uko had given USC his verbal pledge for the upcoming season.

Uko, a 6'4," 297 lb. monster of a defensive tackle, is ranked as a "Five-star" recruit by Scout.com.

George Uko, who prepped at Don Antonio Lugo high school in Chino, Ca., has been something of an enigma in his short playing career.

Until this year, Uko has had problems maintaining his focus and playing hard every down, however, this year, he has found far more consistency in his play, thus the high rating by Scout and other services.

Scout.com has Uko rated as their 25th best player overall and the No. 3 best defensive tackle in the nation.

For USC, the signing of George Uko is huge.

The Trojans, who are looking for interior line depth, will find it in Uko.

Athletic, quick and physically dominant, George Uko das been described as having the potential of a "quicker" Mike Patterson.

USC can only hope.

If George Uko stays focused (and healthy), he has all the tools to become the next great USC interior lineman.

Next spring, the Trojans will be holding open auditions, as always, for the vast majority of positions and they may find that Uko will vie for serious playing time.

He is that good.

So USC should feel really good about this Christmas present while they prepare to meet BC tomorrow in the Emerald bowl.

I'm sure Pete Carroll is writing his thank you note to Santa even as I type this article.

And well he should.