USC Football Recruiting: Trojans Snag a Top Prep Punter and Other News

When Lane Kiffin lured Fresno State's John Baxter south to revamp USC's special teams unit, he promised that Baxter would have full reign over his charges.

True to his word, Baxter's influence has been obvious in 2010, although not always to the Trojans benefit (think missed two-point conversions).

Nonetheless, as Baxter continues to mold his unit, his fingerprints have been felt as well on the recruiting scene.

Already, Baxter has recruited and received verbal commitments from a long snapper (Peter McBride) and a place kicker (Adam Heidari), as he looks to make 2011's special teams even more special.

Now you can add Kris Albarado, the nation's No. 5 punter according to Scout.com, to the list of Trojan verbal commitments.

Albarado, who hails from Louisiana, jumped on the offer as soon as Baxter made it and said, in effect, that coming west to play for the Trojans had been a dream of his.

With scholarships at a premium, it is assumed so he won't count against the fall scholarships (when the NCAA's sanctions take effect) that he will enroll early, but this is not certain.

Either way, the Trojans special teams needs appear to have been met for the foreseeable future.

Meanwhile, the Trojans are still looking for help on the offensive line and to that end, they have made an offer to a teammate of Jalen Grimble—a 2011 USC commit.

Ronnie Stanley, a 6'6", 285 lb. offensive tackle from Bishop Gorman high school and a 2012 prospect, has received an offer from the Trojans.

Though raw, Stanley has huge upside and has the potential to be very good at the next level.

Like all others courting him, Stanley has the Trojans listed as "medium" in terms of his interest.

With the Trojans special teams needs having been addressed, USC will look to fill other needs.

Are you listening premier prep offensive linemen?

Lane Kiffin sure hopes so.