Laying the Foundation: USC Football Recruiting, 2011 (Part One)

Now that the letters of intent for 2010 have all been signed and delivered (with the exception of Seantrel Henderson), is it too early to think about what's on the horizon for 2011?

Naw...its never too early to ponder the possiblities for who may wear the cardinal and gold in the not too distant future for true Trojans fans.

After all, the sterling crop of 2010 recruits, the ones that helped the Trojans secure a top five class this year, were once in the position of those who I am going to profile right now.

These prep stars who are going into their senior class in 2011 have all been offered scholarships by USC and one, Antwuan Woods, has already pledged to the Trojans.

Part one of this two part series will focus on the five star recuits who the Trojans have offered, and part two will continue with the four star recruits who hold Trojans scholarship offers in their hip pockets.

The star ratings are supplied by Scout.com, a premier prep recruiting site.

Without further delay, let's take a look at this talented group of prep football stars, along with their likelihood of signing with the Trojans:

Antwuan Woods:

This 6'0", 291 lbs. defensive tackle started on both the defensive and offensive lines as a freshman for Taft high school in Woodland Hills, Ca. Quick and strong, Woods just keeps getting better each year. Antwuan Woods has given his verbal pledge to the Trojans spurning other offers from Florida and Tennessee among many others.

Braxton Miller:

A 6'3", 200 lbs., 4.47 40 physical freak of a quarterback from Ohio, Braxton Miller is coveted by many programs. A four year starter for his high school, Miller holds dozens of scholarship offers and lists USC as of "medium interest." This is the same listing he has for all of those who have made offers to him, but it appears Ohio State has the inside track here.

DeAnthony Thomas:

DeAnthony Thomas, a 5'11", 188 lbs. speedster who runs the 40 in 4.4, has the Trojans listed as "high" on his list. Thomas is described as "electrifying" in all facets of his game which includes returning punts and kickoffs. At this point, UCLA appears to be the Trojans' main competition for Thomas.

Cyrus Kouandjio:

A 6'7", 291 lbs. offensive lineman from DeMatha high school in Hyattsville, MD, Kouandijo (say that three times real fast), absolutely dominates whoever is unlucky enough to be across the line of scrimmage from him. As is the same with the multitude of college programs who have made offers to him, Kouandijo lists his interest in the Trojans as "medium."

Lawrence Thomas:

The Trojans would love to see Thomas in cardinal and gold. A 6'4", 230 lbs. middle linebacker who is as quick as he is powerful, Thomas has been a starter on his high school team since his sophomore year. Thomas holds dozens of scholarship offers from all the top programs and he lists his interest in the Trojans, like all the others, as "medium."

Ben Koyack:

Although the Trojans would like to see this talented tight end sign with them, given the class of tight ends signed in 2010, it is unlikely that Koyack, who hails from Oil City, PA, will accept their offer although he is listed as having medium interest in the Trojans.

Christian Westerman:

USC has this 6'5", 295 lbs. offensive lineman from Chandler, AZ as an almost "must have" recruit. Westerman has been a starter for Hamilton High School, a perennial Arizona power, since his sophomore year. While Westerman, who holds dozens of offers from all the premier programs, lists his interest in USC as only "medium" (which is what he lists all those who have offered him), it is of note that Westerman camped at USC in his junior year.

Viliami Moala:

6'3", 305 lbs. of defensive lineman terror, Moala helped his Grant High School (Sacramento, Ca.) pitch six shutouts. For his efforts, Moala was named the Goldenstatepreps.com junior high school player of the year. Although Moala only holds a few offers right now, expect that to change by the end of his senior year. Moala lists his interest in USC as "medium" but the early interest by the Trojans can only help in their recruitment of this talented lineman.

Jameel Poteat:

Poteat, who hails from Harrisburg, Pa, is a 5'11", 205 lbs. 4.48 burner who combines power with shifty moves. Offered by most of the traditional powers, Poteat lists his interest in the Trojans as "medium."

There you have it. The early look at the five star prep recruits who the Trojans have already offered.

Although a lot can happen between now and the 2011 signing date (like the results of the NCAA investigation of USC), it bears noting that many of the early five star recruits who showed early interest in the Trojans in 2009-10 (like Kyle Prater), did indeed sign with USC.

Besides, now you can get a head start on all your USC friends for chat material while gathering around the water fountain at work.

Next: The four star recruits that USC has offered.