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

When we last peered into the future, we saw the 2011 five-star prep recruits that the Trojans had offered scholarships to and their possible interest in USC.

Now we turn our attention to the four-star high school football players who hold scholarship offers from USC.

Initially, I had intended this series to be a two part affair, but since Lane Kiffin and company have been so busy on the recruiting trail, I will have to extend it to three articles.

While the basis for these articles required the Trojans to have offered a scholarship to the players in question, I am also going to list those players (who have a rating of four stars or better) who don't hold a offer but who have USC listed as "high" on their list of potential suitors.

The list of four-star prep recruits is rather extensive, so let's get going:

George Farmer:

This 6'2", 197 lbs., 4.38 40-yard dash speedy wide receiver has long been thought to be a slam dunk for the Trojans. But not so fast. The receiving mate of 2010 Trojan recruit, Robert Woods (both played at Serra High School), has recently gone on record as saying he is open to all suitors. While the Trojans remain "high" on his list, don't look for a verbal commitment any time soon.

James Vaughters:

The Trojans need linebackers and James Vaughters fits the bill. 6'2", 232 lbs., mean and with a nose for the ball, Vaughters has offers from almost all of the premier programs in the country. James Vaughters lists his interest in the Trojans, like all of his suitors, as "medium."

Doran Grant:

This speedy (4.37 40-yard dash) corner back has many suitors and lists the Trojans, like all others, as "medium" on his list. Possessing good size (5'10", 180 lbs.) and athleticism (40" vertical leap), Grant has great instincts to go with his solid fundamentals.

Sammy Watkins:

Another fast wide receiver with good size (6'1", 180 lbs.), Watkins, who hails from South Ft. Meyers, Florida, has USC listed as "medium" on his list. However, it should be noted that Sammy Watkins lists Florida as "high" on his list, and they indeed have offered Watkins already.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins:

With three tight ends from the 2009-2010 prep class already in USC's fold, it would appear that the Trojans don't have a pressing need at the position. However, Seferian-Jenkins, who goes 6'7", 245 lbs., has the size and athleticism that intrigues the Trojans (and almost all of the premier national programs). Of greater importance is that Seferian-Jenkins lists USC, along with UCLA as "high" on his list.

Anthony Wallace:

A 6'2", 235 lbs. beast of a middle linebacker, Anthony Wallace has all the traits that fit the mold of Trojan linebackers of the past. Though listed as a middle linebacker, Wallace has the speed to also man both the "mike" and "will" linebacker positions. Wallace has the Trojans listed as "medium," which is what he lists all of the potential suitors who have offered him.

Jalen Grimble:

If the name sounds familiar, it should. Jalen Grimble is the younger brother of 2009-2010 USC tight end Xavier Grimble. Jalen Grimble, a 6'3.5", 250 lbs. defensive end who had five sacks as a sophomore, lists the Trojans as only "medium" on his list of potential suitors, which number in the dozens. However, Jalen Grimble has camped at USC, which should, along with the blood ties, work in the Trojans' favor.

Wayne Lyons:

Almost every significant program in the country is after this 6'1", 190 lbs. safety who hails from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Included in his junior stats is an eye popping 21 tackles for loss. It is interesting to note that although Lyons camped at Florida, they have yet to offer him while almost every other major program has. Like all others who expressed interest in Wayne Lyons, he has the Trojans listed as "medium."

Greg Townsend Jr.:

The son of the former Raider linebacker, Greg Jr., has all the traits of a great defensive end. 6'4", 240 lbs., with a nose for the ball, Townsend had 10.5 sacks in his freshman and sophomore years. Townsend lists the Trojans as "medium" but has camped at USC, which should help the Trojans cause.

Kris Harley:

This 6'2", 260 lbs. defensive tackle combines power and speed to its best effect on the defensive line. Harley, who hails from Indianapolis, IN., had five sacks as a junior and a solid 29" vertical leap speaks of his athleticism as well. Although he will have to put on some weight at the college level, Harley has the frame to accommodate it. Harley lists his interest in the Trojans, like all others, as "medium."

Aaron Green:

A quick, though small (5'10", 175 lbs.) running back from San Antonio, Texas, Aaron Green has all of the instincts of a great runner. Holding more than a dozen scholarship offers, Green lists the Trojans as of "medium" interest, which is the same as all of the others who have offered this electrifying back.

Okay, this list represents only about half of the four-star recruits the Trojans have offered.

Many of these athletes will be five stars (as rated by Scout.com ) by the time their senior seasons are complete.

For the Trojans, who have undoubtedly done their homework on these prep stars, the only rating that matters is what they have seen, and they like them enough to have offered scholarships, which is good enough for me.

Next: Part Three will finish up the balance of four-star prep athletes the Trojans have offered.