USC Trojan Football Recruiting: What About the Ones Who Got Away?

Before we get started on this discussion about the those players who were presumed to be future Trojans, one thing should be made abundantely clear.

The Trojans have an amazing recruiting class this year and by any objective measure, Lane Kiffin, Ed Orgeron and the entire USC staff must be commended for an outstanding effort in bringing in a great group of players.

However, with the good must come the bad, and to that end, there was some disappointment for coach Kiffin and the Trojans.

Of course, we are talking about DeAnthony Thomas, but he wasn't the only one.

Jalen Grimble, cousin of Trojan Xavier and a long time USC commit, also wound up jilting the Trojans on signing day as well.

And let's not forget about Kent Turene, another signing day flip who, upon further examination, didn't hurt the Trojans as much as thought thanks to the signing of Kentucky's Lamar Dawson (a much better player in my opinion).

As far as losing Grimble goes, while he does have a lot of potential, this loss too was mitigated by the the signing of Christian Heywood, who is every bit as good as Grimble (again, in my opinion).

And then there others, such as Troy Niklas, who was also thought to be a Trojan lean but instead wound up signing with Notre Dame.

In Niklas' case, it can be assumed that with the addition of Aundrey Walker, Cyrus Hobbi and the rest, room for Niklas on the offensive line (which is where he was needed by the Trojans) would be scarce at best.

Which brings us back to DeAnthony Thomas.

To be sure, Thomas is extremely talented and would have looked good in cardinal and gold.

But although the Trojans offered Thomas the opportunity to play some at the running back position, his future (should he have one in the NFL) is at corner back and Thomas just didn't have much interest in that.

When Oregon came in and offered Thomas a shot as the Ducks premier ball carrier in the near future, it was more than anything the Trojans could realistically dangle in front of him in terms of persuading him to stay at home and play for USC.

But make no mistake about it, DeAnthony Thomas will not be a running back if he should make the pro's.

At 5'9", 160 lbs., Thomas would not last six games in the NFL.

Of course, Thomas will add weight in college, and this will help him extend his durability while at Oregon.

But will that extra bulk take away some of the elusiveness of the so-called "Black Momba?"

Only time will tell.

In the meantime, USC will make do with the bevy of quality players who want to play for coach Kiffin and company.

And somehow, I think the Trojans will be just fine.