USC Trojan Football Recruiting: Offers, News and Notes

Although this period continues to be slow in terms of verbal commitments for the Trojans, there is some unfinished business in terms of scholarship offers extended by USC and some positive news regarding where they stand in some recruits eyes.

In addition, unfortunately for USC, a couple of highly-sought players have given their verbal pledge to other programs as well.

As football season nears, both for the Trojans and the high school players they are recruiting, expect offers to increase, and along with that, prep players to begin giving their verbal acceptance of those offers to secure a place with the teams they choose to play for.

In the meantime, here is what is going on right now, beginning with a couple of players the Trojans have offered.

Kasen Williams

One of this years most coveted receivers, Kasen Williams combines good size (6'2", 200 pounds) and body control to form an explosive package that has brought him over two dozen offers including those from the some of the best programs in the country. Though not particularly fast (4.6 40-yard-dash), Williams just has a knack for getting open.

Unfortunately for Trojan fans, Williams, who resides in Washington, appears to be heading somewhere else. Williams has expressed little interest in USC, and is expected to stay local and play for Steve Sarkisian and the Huskies. It's a good thing that USC is well-stocked at the position, so they will not miss Williams too badly.

Rodney Coe

Some guys just defy classification, so they are attached with the "athlete" label. This is code for "we don't know where you will play, but you're so damn good, you will play somewhere."

This describes Rodney Coe, who has the size and speed to do damage from several positions.

Coe holds over 20 offers and lists them all as "medium" in terms of his interest. Although Coe is being recruited by John Morton, perhaps the Trojans will utilize the help of Kyle Prater to recruit Coe, since he hails from Illinois, same as young Rodney.

While the above players represent those who have received Trojan offers, other players have now come off the Trojan board.

Other Potential Recruits

James Wilder, one of the most coveted running backs in the nation, has given his verbal commitment to Florida State. Though Wilder was considered a Trojan longshot at best, he is a special talent and would have looked very good in Cardinal and Gold.

Joining Wilder in the ranks of committed athletes is Sheldon Richardson. A 5-star (as rated by Scout.com) JUCO defensive tackle, Richardson has given Missouri his verbal pledge.

Also making news is the travel plans of defensive end Ray Drew. Though Drew has announced he will be coming out to California, it won't be to visit USC. Instead, UCLA will be the destination as Drew recently announced that the Bruins have climbed to the top group of his choices.

While the news of Drew possibly to UCLA is disconcerting to Trojan fans, all is not lost.

In fact, three players the Trojans both need and have offered have given updates regarding their recruiting, and for all three, USC plays a prominent role.

Maurice Couch, a very good JUCO defensive tackle, has announced plans to visit USC in November and lists the Trojans as one of his top-four choices.

Joining Couch as a player who likes USC is Donovan Clark. Clark, a mammoth offensive lineman, which is a position of real need for USC, recently listed the Trojans, along with Tennessee and Michigan State, as part of his top-three list.

Finally, Doran Grant, the 5-star (as rated by Scout.com) cornerback from Akron, Ohio, has named the Trojans as one of his leaders. Grant has already visited USC, but may come back for a second trip later in the year.

Now that we are heading into football season, things will start picking up, and Trojan recruiting news should include some verbal commitments soon.

Until then, expect USC to lean on recruits in positions of need by promising early playing time to entice them to "Trojanville."

Sadly, that is the reality of the NCAA penalties, which have removed so many scholarships in the next three years.

On the other hand, look for Lane Kiffin to use that promise of early playing time to his advantage.

As my grand daddy used to say, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade."

Don't forget to add the sugar, Lane.