USC Recruiting: Who the Trojans Have, Who's Coming & Who They Want (Defense)

For most of the 2010 football season, USC's defense could best be described as "shaky".

The defensive line, a supposed strong suit for the Trojans, was often porous against the run and rarely found themselves in their opponent's backfield, thus offering opposing quarterbacks ample time to exploit USC's young secondary.

Meanwhile, the linebacking unit, a weak spot in 2009, continued to be a non-factor in 2010, as defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin searched for schemes to put pressure on their opponents' offense.

To make matters worse, the Trojans were breaking in three new players in the defensive backfield, which featured a true freshman cornerback, Nickel Robey.

All in all, a recipe for disaster.

However, there were pleasant surprises on this unit and reasons for optimism heading into the 2011 season.

Lets take a look at the 2011 Trojan defense and, while we're at it, glimpse the special teams unit, which will also undergo significant changes.

Defensive Line

Who the Trojans have:

A week or so ago, there was big news when Jurrell Casey, the Trojans' best D-line player, decided to leave early for the NFL. This does not help a unit whose effectiveness is predicated on a run stuffing presence in the middle. To make matters worse, defensive tackle Hebron Fangupo, the massive JUCO transfer who broke his leg in 2009, also has left the team, opting to transfer to BYU. Derek Simmons, another interior lineman who saw some playing time, also has graduated, thus compromising depth.

However, the Trojans do have significant linemen coming back for the 2011 campaign. At defensive tackle, look for DaJohn Harris and Christian Tupou to fight it out for the starting position while redshirt freshman George Uko, from whom big things are expected in the future, will push both of them for playing time.

At the defensive end positions, the Trojans received welcome news when Armond Armstead announced he will return for the 2011 season. Joining Armstead at the other end will be the winner of the spring and fall practice battles between Wes Horton and Nick Perry. James Boyd and Kevin Greene both provide depth at the position, along with Christian Thomas, who also plays tight end.

Who the Trojans have coming in:

So far, the Trojans have received verbal commitments from 5-star defensive end Jalen Grimble and 4-star defensive tackle Antuan Woods. Both of these players are expected to be very good in the future for the Trojans. Also committed are 3-star defensive ends Devante Wilson, Charles Burks and Steve Dillon. Burks may also get a look at linebacker.

Who the Trojans want:

Of the 5-star prep defensive line recruits available, the Trojans have the best shot of landing Greg Townsend, the all-everything defensive end from Beverly Hills, CA. Also a possibility is Viliami Moala, whose cousin Fili played for the Trojans. However, Moala, also a 5-star recruit, is likely to sign with Cal. Rounding out the possible 5-stars who may opt for the Trojans is Timmy Jernigan, a massive but quick defensive tackle who still is considering USC but is thought to be a real longshot.

Of the 4-star defensive linemen the Trojans have offered, Koa Ka'ai, a 4-star defensive end from Hawaii, is the best shot to wear cardinal and gold. Two others, 4-star end Brennan Scarlett and defensive tackle Christian Heywood, both still have the Trojans on their list but are considered longshots to sign with USC.

Linebackers

Who the Trojans have:

Two thirds of the Trojans' starting linebacker unit (Michael Morgan and Malcolm Smith) are gone. While some might say this is a good thing based on the last two years, it does provide for discontinuity as the Trojans try to find cohesion with a new unit. Chris Galippo will be back and joining him will be Shane Horton, Devon Kennard, Marquis Simmons and Hayes Pullard. The Trojans will look for both Simmons and Pullard to make significant contributions as the Trojans try to mold this into a productive unit.

Who the Trojans have coming in:

The Trojans have received verbal commitments from two very fine linebackers, both 3-stars (according to Scout.com), in Kent Turene and Tre Madden. Both of these athletic 'backers can possibly see the field in 2011. Joining these two is Dallas Kelley, a 2-star JUCO linebacker from Chaffey college in California. 

Who the Trojans want:

Of the remaining non-committed linebackers to whom the Trojans have extended offers, perhaps the best is the 4-star Colt Lyerla. Lyerla is a fast and athletic outside linebacker who has a great nose for the ball. Also, Lamar Dawson, another 4-star linebacker who plays the middle, will be taking a visit to USC in January, although he is somewhat of a longshot to wear cardinal and gold. Lateek Townsend, who took a trip to USC and whom the Trojans thought they had a shot at, has recently scratched USC off of his list. 4-star middle linebacker Denzel Perryman also has a Trojan offer but he is also considered a longshot. 

Defensive Backfield

Who the Trojans have:

The Trojans' best cornerback, Shareece Wright, is gone. However, because this unit was so young in 2010, they should be much better in 2011. Leading the way will be ultra-athletic safety T.J. McDonald. Joining him at safety will be either Jawanzza Starling, who was inconsistent in 2010 but should be much better in 2011, oft-injured Drew McAllister, or, more likely, Marshall Jones, who came on strong at the end of last year. 

At cornerback, 2010 freshman Nickel Robey will start at one side. Brian Bauchman (who can't seem to stay healthy), T.J. Bryant, Anthony Brown, Omari Crittendon, Demetrious Wright and Torin Harris are all talented youngsters who will have benefited from this year's experience and should be much better next year.

Who the Trojans have coming in:

It all begins and ends with five-star cornerback/running back DeAnthony Thomas. Thomas, also known as the "Black Mamba", can, and probably will, play multiple positions, including kick/punt returner, for the Trojans. He is an electric player, capable of scoring at any time, and is a shutdown corner. However, he has also expressed a desire to play mostly running back, so we will have to see.

The Trojans also recently received a commitment from 4-star JUCO safety, Isaiah Wiley, who can also play cornerback.

Who the Trojans want:

With the Trojans well stocked in the defensive backfield and the vast majority of high profile recruits already committed elsewhere, USC has no major irons in the fire for the defensive backfield position, save for 4-star defensive back/wide receiver Marqise Lee, a teammate of Trojan recruit, George Farmer. The Trojans are high on his list and they would love to have him. 

Special Teams

Who the Trojans have:

Beyond kickoff/punt returners such as Robert Woods, the Trojans, for the most part, say goodbye to all of their front line kickers, including punter/kickoff specialist Jacob Harfman and field goal kicker Joe Houston. Of course, some Trojan fans will tell you this is a good thing, but that may be premature given that the Trojans' may now have to thrust a freshman into a pressure packed situation such as a field goal with the game on the line.

In addition, long snapper Chris Pousson returns for his senior year.

Who the Trojans have coming in:

You have to hand it to Lane Kiffin and special teams coach John Baxter. They have been nothing short of brilliant in getting special teams talent to commit to the Trojans and most of it has not come at the expense of precious 2010 scholarships.

To replace Joe Houston, the Trojans signed Adam Heidari, rated the #2 prep kicker in the nation. To replace Harfman, USC has the #5 prep punter, Kris Albarado. Just for good measure, the Trojans also signed Scout.com's #1 long snapper in the west, Peter McBride. And, as stated above, De'Anthony Thomas may be the most electric returner in the country.

Who the Trojans want:

Nobody. This is a very strong special teams recruiting class. 

That's all we know for now. Of course, until these prep players sign their names on their letters of intent, anything can change.

In the past, the Trojans have both benefited and suffered from LOI signing surprises but far more often than not, USC fans have smiled come signing day.

Given the difficult circumstances surrounding USC's football program, Lane Kiffin and his staff have done a remarkable job re-stocking a depleted roster.

If Kiffin and company can pull off a couple more recruiting surprises, the Trojans should be in fine shape going forward.

And if Lane Kiffin has his way, he will keep his promise that the Trojans won't have any more disappointments like they experienced in 2010.

And that will make all fans of the men of Troy very happy indeed.