In 2010, USC was dealt a hand of cards that would cause most players to immediately fold. The Trojans were hit with NCAA sanctions that sent recruits like Seantrel Henderson (OL) running for the hills. Henderson decommitted from USC and ended up with the University of Miami Hurricanes, where he was recently suspended from spring practice for a violation of team rules. The grass isn't always greener.
The most high-profile recruit to bolt from the Trojans after they were hit with NCAA sanctions was Oregon Ducks preseason Heisman Trophy candidate De'anthony Thomas. DAT was a verbal commit to USC before he chose to take his talents to Eugene, and unlike Henderson, Thomas has excelled since making his decision.
Below are two excerpts from 2010 CLA feature stories with current Trojans D.J. Morgan and Antwaun Woods. Morgan and Woods were teammates at Taft High School in Woodland Hills, CA where both were HS All-Americans. As a class of 2010 HS football recruit, Morgan was heavily recruited out of Taft for his football and exceptional track and field abilities. Woods was a stalwart defensive tackle for the Toreadors and was one of the nation's top 2011 HS football recruits at his position.
From D.J. Morgan Feature Story with CLA in 2010:
For many USC recruits, the recent NCAA sanctions have resulted in a reaction of mixed emotions. An article from the Bleacher Report suggests that Morgan could be a potential transfer possibility as a result of the uproar caused by the NCAA sanctions, however, Morgan clearly states otherwise. "I actually go up to the school very often and check on my financial aid and all of my other stuff that I need to be cleared to start there," said the Taft senior running back. "I believe that… you know, we're still gonna be probably one of the best teams, if not the best, but you know, we just lose out on that last game. I'm not really worried cuz a bowl game is just one game and we have the rest of our whole season to prove who we are," Morgan told CollegeLevelAthletes.com yesterday.
Morgan acknowledged that a few recruits he's spoken with from the incoming class of 2010 were caught off guard by the NCAA sanctions, and said, "I talked to somebody last night at like one (o'clock) in the morning, he called me… He was sayin' like… 'It sucks, but you know we already signed and we might as well continue on with what we're doing," Morgan said.
From Antwaun Woods Feature Story with CLA in 2010:
Recent sanctions against the USC football program have resulted in a media onslaught, with many people under the impression that Lane Kiffin's team is going to fall off the map. It's hard to imagine how the Trojans could not be in complete disarray with the loss of 30 scholarships over the next three seasons and a two year post season ban. However, Woods and the 2011 Trojan football recruiting class have formed a strong bond under the scrutiny. The list of top notch Trojan football recruits remains strong. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) teammates Victor Blackwell (WR) and Max Wittek (QB) have not been deterred in their commitments.
"I talked to a lot of guys in my class (2011) and they was like worried and everything, but.. I thought about and it'll only affect us for one year. As a freshman… you wanna win a national championship and go to a bowl game, but your main focus is to really just get used to the program and try to play. So I was like, 'It's only one year for us'… so then they thought about that and they was like 'alright,' they understand. So, they're still strongly committed too."
Recruiting in college football is a tough task for programs across the country, however, this process becomes much easier when members of an incoming class take the initiative to help sway other top players. Woods is a prime example of a team player and has already served as a blessing to the USC football program.
(story continued...)
A New Era for Southern California
As it stands, USC is primed to make a return the the national spotlight in the 2012-2013 college football season. The arrival of running back Silas Redd from Penn State has already ignited an energetic Trojans squad that is eager to compete for the Pac-12 title this season..
Redd officially transferred to Southern Cal last week, and has already made an impression on the coaching staff.
"I thought his preparation was top notch," Lane Kiffin told reporters after a recent practice.
Silas Redd adds depth to a backfield that also includes Taft HS standout D.J. Morgan. Morgan is a dual-sport athlete for USC and runs on the Trojans track and field team as a hurdler. The arrival of Redd should help inspire the younger Morgan, who was anticipating more touches in 2012.
It's apparent that Silas Redd is ready to contribute to the USC backfield, and is all too familiar with the history of Trojan running backs.
"They have great tradition. This is known as RBU. I'm just ready to contribute. September 1st and Hawaii is what's on my mind right now," Redd told reporters.
The Trojans return an offensive unit that is responsible for racking up yards by the bunches. USC returns two 1,000 yard receivers in local products Robert Woods and Marqise Lee of Gardena Serra HS, along with two 1,000 yard rushers in Curtis McNeal, and now Silas Redd.
Matt Barkley also returns to the helm for the Trojans after coming off a 2011 season that catapulted him into the Heisman race.
This year, Barkley is poised to lead USC into battle against Pac-12 Champions Oregon on November 3rd at the LA Coliseum. If the Trojans are able to counter the speed of the Ducks, it's very likely that a BCS Bowl game lies ahead for Southern Cal this season.
