Check out this video interview featuring current USC Trojans Jesse Scroggins (QB/2011), Dion Bailey (DB/2011) and Notre Dame defensive end turned linebacker Justin Utupo (DE/2011). CLA asked Bailey if he felt like he would be able to contribute early in his career at USC, and without hesitation, Dion outperformed all expectations after being named Pac-12 Defensive Freshmen of the Year in 2011. Bailey, along another LA area prep in Hayes Pullard (LB/2011), led the Trojans in tackles this season registering 81 total stops. Watch the video interview below:

Sports recruiting blog, recruit news, socal recruits, best ca recruits, football

Aaron M. Plunkett (Publisher)

Dion Bailey, Jesse Sroggins, Justin Utupo, Lakewood High School Lancers Football

It was 1999. I sat in the library at Chico Senior High School during third period Monday through Friday as a “library aide.” My duties consisted of sliding the sections of the day’s newspaper into the bamboo scroll and placing it in the rack for students and faculty to read, replacing books according to catalog number, and meticulously searching the internet using Netscape or Lycos for anything and everything to do with high school football recruiting. Anything.

Sports recruiting blog, recruit news, socal recruits, best ca recruits, football

Aaron Plunkett (Publisher)

Aaron M. Plunkett, Quarterback Chico Senior High School (1997) UC Davis Aggies

After redshirting last season, former Serra High star quarterback Conner Preston is primed to make a big impact for the SMU Mustangs in 2012. With J..J. McDermott graduating and Kyle Padron transferring, the starting quarterback position is Preston’s for the taking. The expected arrival of former Texas quarterback Garrett Gilbert in June should raise the competition but we anticipate Preston seizing the reigns under center.

Sports recruiting blog, recruit news, socal recruits, best ca recruits, football

Danny "DSPN" Dabiri (Editor)

Conner Preston SMU Quarterback Serra HS (Class of 2011) Robert Woods, Farmer

Scott Starr

Hometown: 

Norco, CA

The USC Trojans secured another quality prospect in former Norco linebacker Scott Starr. Already enrolled, Starr has the versatility to play multiple positions on defense. Starr possesses a high football IQ and should be hard to keep off the field.

At 6’3 230, Starr has immense potential and should carry on the great USC line backing tradition with his aggressive style and relentless play. This dude is a flat out beast.

Scott Starr Linebacker USC Football Commit 2012

Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick

Hometown: 

Cerritos, CA

Former Whitney star tight end Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick is headed to USC where he will provide Matt Barkley with yet another weapon to his arsenal. At 6’5 250, Cope-Fitzpatrick is a big target with good hands and a lot of upside.

Due to the logjam at tight end, Cope-Fitzpatrick will have an uphill road to get on the field. There are a bevy of young tight ends including Xavier Grimble and Randal Telfer on the roster. With Lane Kiffin’s willingness to field the best team based on performance, Cope-Fitzpatrick will certainly have an opportunity to make his case.

Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick 2012 USC Trojans Football Commit. Whitney HS

Kyle Kelley

Hometown: 

Irvine, CA

The best local prospect to join the Rich Rodriguez program at Arizona is former Woodbridge defensive end Kyle Kelley. At 6’3 230, Kelley can rush the passer off the edge with great success. Kelly has a high motor and good instincts.

It remains to be seen how Kelley will be used best in the 3-3-5 defense but expect him to be a solid contributor right away and for years to come.

At 6’3 230, Kyle Kelley can rush the passer off the edge with great success.

Michael Barton

Hometown: 

Concord, CA

Fresh off leading his team to a dominating 35-0 victory over Westlake Village in the California State Bowl Division Championship, linebacker Michael Barton is poised to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. The Bay Area product has decided to stay close to home and attend Cal.

At 6’1 200, it seems likely that Barton will move to safety. As a three-year starter at De La Salle, Barton demonstrated uncanny football instincts, a relentless pursuit of the ball and invaluable leadership skills. Moving forward, Barton will be a vital asset for Jeff Tedford and company.

Michael Barton is poised to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level.

Jayden Mickens

Hometown: 

Los Angeles, CA

Washington coach Steve Sarkisian returned to So Cal to snatch former Dorsey super athlete Jayden Mickens back to Seattle. At 5’9 175, Mickens possesses blazing speed and home run ability and should fit right in as a slot receiver for the Huskies.

Mickens could make a big impact in the return game as well. Adding Mickens to Keith Price and their high powered offense should reap immediate rewards for the Huskies.

Jayden Mickens Dorsey super athlete signs with the Washington Huskies

Head Coach Kemp Moyer

Hometown: 

Oakland, CA

Former Hornet assistant—and football alumnus—Kemp Moyer assumed the head coaching duties for Alameda High School's varsity football program in 2011. The Hornets play in the Alameda Contra Costa League, and are California High School (CIF) Division II athletic program. Rest assured that Alameda HS football is in good hands with Moyer at the helm. Considering the fact that several of Moyer's brothers have gone through the football program and went on to play at the collegiate level (Yale & UC Davis), it's hard to question his knowledge of the game.

Alameda High School Varsity Football Head Coach, Kemp Moyer.

Brandon Beaver

Hometown: 

Compton, CA

The Washington Huskies hit gold with the signing of former standout Compton cornerback Brandon Beaver. With the slew of explosive offenses in the Pac 12, Beaver solidifies a vital need for quality defensive backs. At 6’1 185, Beaver has the size, speed and strength to match up with the best receivers in the conference.

Beaver has the potential to contribute immediately because of his coverage and ball skills. Good cover guys are a premium and Beaver is one of the best in the bunch in this class.

Brandon Beaver, University of Washington Commit.  DB, 2012. Compton Domiguez
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