National Signing Day 2010: The Ones that Got Away from USC

Now that the dust has settled and, for the most part, the pens used to sign LOI's are put away, we can look back with misty eyes at what could have been.

It should be noted that the USC Trojans, led by new head coach Lane Kiffin, had a marvelous recruiting class. It is one that could get even better if Latwan Anderson, the highly regarded safety who has verbally committed to West Virginia, changes his mind and signs with the Trojans instead.

Of course, no recruiting class is ever perfect and, with this in mind, here is a list of six of those recruits that USC thought they had a real shot at, but instead signed with other programs.

This list is in order of who I thought the Trojans could use and were slated by the staff to fill a particular need.

6. Dietrich Riley

The Trojans thought they had this talented athlete all but signed and delivered, and then he shocked Trojan nation by signing with cross-town rival UCLA. Like your running-mate Josh Shirley (who will be addressed later), I believe you will come to regret this decision.

5. Lache Seastrunk

A very talented runner from Texas at whom the Trojans thought they had a real shot. Instead, Seastrunk will take his act to Oregon (who needs another small, shifty running back like I need a hole in my head). Good luck seeing the field with James and Co. ahead of you, Lache.

4. Matt Darr

The talented punter committed to the Trojans early and bailed when Pete Carroll departed. Darr can now be found at Fresno State, which is punishment enough for making such a silly choice.

3. Brice Schwab

This massive offensive lineman from JC power Mt. Palomar also bailed when Carroll did the same. He has found a home now at Arizona State, who will benefit from this field-ready bruiser.

2. Josh Shirley

The other half of the UCLA dynamic duo that spurned USC for the Bruins. With a dearth of depth at linebacker, Shirley was counted on by the Trojans, who will now take solace that, in return, young Josh gets to spend the next four years in Westwood trying vainly to change that monopoly thing.

1. Ronald Powell

This very talented defensive end had the Trojans and Florida as his final two and then went with the Gators when Carroll left. He said that had little to do with his decision, but it couldn't have helped, eh?

I am sure that I have missed some, but these are the ones that come directly to mind that the Trojans could have used but signed elsewhere.

Having said all this, Lane Kiffin, once again, did a marvelous job and should be credited for making a bad situation one that turned the Trojans way.

Of course, Trojan fans want it all, and I would be remiss to assume that the Trojans filled all their needs—even though they came damn close.

It is for those fans who do want it all that I list these recruits that got away.

And also to give Coach Kiffin something to shoot for next year.