National Signing Day 2010: Which USC Recruits Might Play Early (Part 1)

With the exception of a few recruits, such as Seantrel Henderson who will wait to sign his LOI, this year's Trojan recruiting class has been signed, sealed, and delivered.

Looking ahead to the 2010 college football season, it is reasonable to speculate which of these talented recruits will see early playing time and who will redshirt, destined to see the field at a later date.

With this in mind, here is a thumbnail sketch of those recruits and their likelihood to contribute early for the Trojans:

Seantrel Henderson:

Assuming this five-star recruit does sign his LOI with the Trojans, expect the massive offensive lineman to see playing time from the first moment he steps on the field. No redshirt for Henderson for sure.

Marquis Jackson:

Still to sign his LOI—why I'm not sure—Jackson as a JC transfer, will probably be given a chance to vie for a backup position to Nick Perry at defensive end. With the Trojans needing to replace Everson Griffin, there will be ample opportunities for Malik Jackson's brother (also a defensive end) to contest playing time with him and others.

Soma Vainuku:

Vainuku, who also plays linebacker, will first be tried at fullback, which is the position the Trojans recruited him for. With Stanley Havili and DJ Shoemate ahead of him at the position, look for Vainuku to redshirt.

Christian Thomas:

One of three of the nation's best five tight ends to sign with the Trojans, Thomas will be given ample opportunity to back up Rhett Ellison and Blake Ayles. Having said that, I expect two of the three tight end recruits to redshirt in 2010.

Giovanni Di Poalo:

This talented offensive lineman from Ventura, Ca. will be given a shot at a backup position on the O-line. Listed as a center, Di Poalo's odds of redshirting increase exponentially if Seantrel Henderson does indeed sign with the Trojans.

Markeith Ambles:

The Trojans really cleaned up at the wide receiver position and Ambles is a large part of that haul. Ronald Johnson and Brice Butler are the likely starters in 2010, but with his talent, expect Ambles to vie for that third wideout (or slot) position. At least one of these wide receiver recruits will redshirt, which one(s) will be determined at spring and fall practice.

Glen Stanley:

This extremely talented JC linebacker from Arizona brings speed and intensity to the position and given the Trojans lack of depth at linebacker, Stanley will be given every opportunity to see the field.

Hayes Pullard:

Recruited as a middle linebacker, Pullard may see some backup time behind Chris Galippo but the smart money has Pullard redshirting in 2010.

Nickell Robey:

Robey, a recruit that Lane Kiffin brought with him from Tennessee, is a superb kick returner and with both Damien Williams and Joe McKnight now gone, Nickell Robey will be given a long look in practice as a returner. If Robey can bring some of the electricity of his high school returns to the college game, he will play in 2010. If this is the case, Robey will also backup the cornerbacks, which is his regular position.

Demetrius Wright:

Another very talented cornerback, Demetrius Wright will also get a long look in practice and with the Trojans preparing to graduate Shareece Wright (no relation) next year, Demetrius Wright will be given every opportunity to see the field in 2010.

So there you have it: a look at the first half of the Trojans high school class of 2009.

Of course, the majority of questions asked regarding who redshirts and who doesn't, will be answered in spring and fall practice.

Those players who prove their worth will be given opportunities to see the field early. In this regard, Lane Kiffin holds the same criteria as Pete Carroll who was never shy about playing freshmen.

This a very talented class of freshmen and don't be surprised if more than a few avoid a redshirt year in 2010.

Next: Part 2 of the USC 2009 recruiting class and their likelihood of early playing time.