USC Football Recruiting: Trojans Get a Big Verbal from Jordan Simmons

For Trojan fans still smarting over the recent decommitment of five-star (as rated by Scout.com) OT/DT Arik Armstead, the sting was lessened today when mammoth offensive guard Jordan Simmons gave the Trojans his verbal pledge to stay local and play for the men of Troy.

Simmons, rated a four-star prospect, is a huge (6'5", 340 lb.) lineman from Crespi High School in Encino.

With the Trojans needing offensive line help, the verbal from Simmons couldn't have come at a better time.

Just days ago, Armstead opened up his recruiting after being pledged to the Trojans for over a year.

At the time, the loss of Armstead, who projected as an offensive tackle despite his preference to play on the other side of ball, was considered a major blow for USC who is looking at three years of scholarship reductions.

Now Lane Kiffin, Ed Orgeron and his recruiting staff can rest easier with the nod from Simmons.

Simmons was a hot commodity on the national scene with offers from programs such as Auburn, Oklahoma, Oregon and others.

In Simmons the Trojans get a big and mobile lineman who is raw but coachable.

At the next level with a big-time college program, the sky is the limit for Simmons who will likely stay at guard.

Now the Trojans offensive line in 2012 will be replenished as both four-star offensive tackle Max Tuerk and three-star offensive tackle Chad Wheeler will join Simmons in the cardinal and gold next year.

With Simmons' commitment, the Trojans have 11 verbals for 2012.