USC Football Recruiting: Trojans Offer 5-Star and Look For Hidden Gems

While the Trojans lick their wounds from the old fashioned shellacking the Oregon Ducks laid on them, recruiting continues to be a focus for remedies they hope to find for the future.

As promised, head coach Lane Kiffin and the USC recruiting brain trust searched far and wide during the bye week for prep talent that can return the Trojans to the dominant team they were not so long ago.

Some of what they found are high school players well known on the prep scene and others who have toiled in relative obscurity.

Regardless of their notoriety, USC feels these players can make a difference as the Kiffin era moves forward.

One of these newly offered players, Colt Lyerla, has been on major college football programs radar for the last couple of years.

Lyerla, a 6'5", 225 tight end/linebacker/defensive end, has been rated a five-star prospect by Scout.com and is described as one of the most athletic big men in the country.

With a body that will pack on weight at the next level, it is possible that Lyerla will wind up at defensive end in college.

Regardless, Lyerla will be a big asset to whatever program is lucky enough to land him.

Unfortunately for the Trojans, it appears that Oregon has the inside track for his services, although young Colt has scheduled a visit to USC this upcoming week.

Another player the Trojans have cast a covetous eye toward is safety Karlos Williams, from Davenport, FL.

Williams, who also plays quarterback for his high school team, goes 6'1", 205 lbs., and although not blazing fast (4.59 forty), is tremendously athletic.

Although Williams has given a "soft verbal" to Florida State, he has re-opened his recruiting and will take an official visit to USC in January.

Meanwhile, the Trojans have uncovered a couple of players who fit positions of need but have flown under the radar for the most part.

Keith McGill, a junior college player who is rated a two-star by Scout.com, has first class measurables and currently plays safety in the JC ranks.

At 6'4'" and weighing 214 lbs., McGill brings blazing (4.35 forty) speed to the position.

Despite giving Utah a "soft verbal," McGill still hasn't closed the books on other programs and lists USC as "medium" in terms of his interest.

Finally, the Trojans have uncovered what they believe is a gem in offensive guard Frederick Ruff from Hargrave Military Academy.

Standing 6'5" and weighing 285 lbs., Ruff has a lot of potential but will need some polish to dominate at the next level.

For Ruff's services, the Trojans will have to overcome Mississippi State, who is listed as "high" interest-wise on his list.

As the prep football season winds down, look for the Trojans to focus on the offensive line and defense as they attempt to return to college football's elite status.

While the 2010 high school football class appears to be slightly down in terms of overall talent, there are still players out there who the Trojans can use.

As Lane Kiffin searches for ways to get USC back to the high profile level of recent years, finding these players and swaying them to come west will continue to be a main priority for the recruiting department.

If he is successful, perhaps the Trojans can join the Ducks as the class of the west.

At least Trojan fans hope so.