Oregon Football Recruiting: De'Anthony Thomas Stuns USC, Signs with Ducks

5-star cornerbacker De'Anthony Thomas might prove to be the best player from the 2011 recruiting class. 

He's a legit bluechip talent at both running back and receiver and many scouts see him as a Charles Woodson-type player. 

Considering Thomas aspires to play both ways and wants to win the Heisman, it's not hard to see where the comparisons derive. 

The top prospect in California and a Crenshaw native, Thomas was a longtime USC commitment, but unfortunately for the Trojans, he's now poised to be a thorn in their side for the next four years. 

On Signing Day, Thomas pulled a huge shocker and announced that he'll be going to Oregon instead. 

Now the question becomes, has the tide turned in the Pac-12?

Oregon's Recruiting Class Vs. USC's Recruiting Class

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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 30: LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs down the sidelines to score a touchdown for a 15-10 lead over the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 30, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How

Even without Thomas, USC has the stronger recruiting class, but there's no denying that Oregon has really closed the gap to an almost equal level. 

Despite watching Thomas and 5-star defensive end Jalen Grimble walk off to Oregon and Miami, respectively, the Trojans had a huge Signing Day and brought in a ton of talent to an already stacked class. 

USC currently holds one 5-star commitment with receiver George Farmer. That's the same number Oregon has with Thomas on the books. 

The Trojans have 13 4-star prospects to the Ducks 12 and both schools have 10 3-star recruits. With USC holding eight commitments more than Oregon though, thats basically where the difference lies. 

It doesn't get much closer than that. 

The New King Of The Pac-12?

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Jordan Holmes #54 and Josh Sanford #67 of the Oregon Ducks take the field for their game against the Auburn Tigers at the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale,

Just a couple of years ago to even suggest that anyone but USC was the king out west would have you outcast from college football society. 

Now, after Oregon's run to the National Championship Game, USC's recruiting sanctions, rumors that Lane Kiffin is in the NCAA's doghouse yet again and Los Angles' best recruit headed out of state to an in-conference rival, the whole Pac-12 looks different.

You can still argue that USC is the team to beat in the conference all you want, but the reality is that Oregon has won the Pac-10 two years in a row and are recruiting right on the heels of the Trojans. 

With LaMichael James returning for another year, expect Oregon to be the preseason favorite to win the National Championship next season. 

So at this point it's not even really a question. Oregon is the king of the West Coast. At least until USC proves otherwise. 

Where Does Thomas Fit In?

Thomas is the type of versatile athlete that will thrive with Oregon. He has the speed, the power, the instincts and the swagger that simply can't be taught. 

He's good enough to start today, though he'll have to earn that opportunity in the spring.

Don't be surprised to see him returning kicks, spotting up at receiver and running back, manning the gunner roll on kickoffs, playing the nickel, the dime, the boundary and possibly even safety. 

Thomas is simply that good. Will he be a star as a true freshman? Few rarely are, but he'll definitely shine.