Today was the National Signing Day for the religion of college football. It's just like getting new toys on Christmas, especially, when you're a USC fan and you get the best presents out there (and usually the most of them too). There's always some things you want and don't get, but you also realize you can't have everything. What also makes it fun is that you have no idea what you're getting until that moment. Sometimes you might find a present in the basement in June and other times, you might find a present that you think is yours, only it's for someone else. It might sounds a little childish, but when else do you see grown men get so excited over a 17-18 year old kid making an announcement?
I can guarantee you that there were plenty of guys yelling and screaming with each commit around the country today. In the end, USC put together a great class today, especially when considering the coaching turnover. Lane Kiffin and co. kept most of Pete Carroll's commits to stay committed to the university and also went out and got a few more. We have 18 commits as of now and hopefully we'll add a few more tonight.
It's fun to get caught up in it and the recruiting war is half of the battle in college football. Although, the high school rating systems are unreliable at best. For every 5 star athlete that goes on to have a successful college career and becomes a top NFL draft pick, there are a bunch that never see the field. Some get hurt, others can't make the grades, but a lot of them just can't make the transition to a higher level of play. There are plenty of guys that dominated their high school leagues just because they were bigger, faster, and stronger than everyone else but struggle when they go against guys that are just as good or better than them. A lot of the guys never really had to work at it either, which leaves the door open for lesser rated players who work hard and develop.
Having said all of that, I really think this is the best collection of offensive players we've gotten in a class since 2003. We got 4 of the best receivers and 2 of the best tight ends for Barkley to throw to. I also think DJ Morgan may end up being one of the most explosive running backs we've had in awhile despite suffering a knee injury that will keep him out this year.
In the end, it's hit or miss, but our 2003 class has to be one of the best ever. Here are some notable guys in that class:
Reggie Bush - Heisman Trophy winner, #2 overall draft pick
LenDale White - All time USC rushing TD leader, second round pick
Steve Smith - One of the best all around receivers we've had, set NY Giants reception record this year, second round pick
Sam Baker - Anchor on the OL, first rounder
Sedrick Ellis - Anchor on the DL, top ten pick
Lawrence Jackson - A great end for four years, first rounder
Ryan Kalil - 4 year starter at center, went to the pro bowl this year
Fili Moala - solid interior DL, drafted by the Colts
Will Poole- Transferred as a senior, was a great physical corner and was in the NFL until he got hurt
Terrell Thomas- Became our top CB and was drafted in the second round and doing great for the NY Giants
Thomas Williams- He was a real physical LB that didn't get too much time at SC but still made it to the NFL
Eric Wright - He was our best CB as a freshman but got into some trouble and was kicked out of school. He's a star in the NFL now
Chauncey Washington - Was a solid power back for us and was actually rated higher than Reggie and Lendale.
John David Booty - probably the most unappreciated QB we've had but he was a very good player and is floating around the NFL
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