Why are we so successful recruiting DBs???

[Galactus]

I noticed this while glancing at rivals.com. We seem to be struggling in recruiting in a lot of areas, but for some reason, we are having no trouble landing DBs.

My theory is this: Nothing is more important to HS players these days than believing they have a shot at the pros — and this is true in football and basketball. Defensive backs are represented well by USC in the NFL....and have been for several years. Arturo Freeman, Willie Offord, Andre Goodman, Sheldon Brown are just a few names off the top of my head.

This is what so many programs use to sell high school kids on.....come play with us and we'll get you to the NFL.

The good news is: Kids believe they can do that at USC.....as a defensive back. The bad news is: Apparently they DON'T believe this applies to any other position....though we have been fairly successful recruiting running backs over the last 30 years (which I attribute, in part, to George Rogers' Heisman legacy).

But we need receivers. FAST receivers. We need big, fast defensive lineman.

This applies to basketball, too. We have no one representing us in the NBA right now....and thus, our basketball recruiting is tough.

What do ya'll think?

[Neo]

I noticed this while glancing at rivals.com. We seem to be struggling in recruiting in a lot of areas, but for some reason, we are having no trouble landing DBs.

My theory is this: Nothing is more important to HS players these days than believing they have a shot at the pros — and this is true in football and basketball. Defensive backs are represented well by USC in the NFL....and have been for several years. Arturo Freeman, Willie Offord, Andre Goodman, Sheldon Brown are just a few names off the top of my head.

This is what so many programs use to sell high school kids on.....come play with us and we'll get you to the NFL.

The good news is: Kids believe they can do that at USC.....as a defensive back. The bad news is: Apparently they DON'T believe this applies to any other position....though we have been fairly successful recruiting running backs over the last 30 years (which I attribute, in part, to George Rogers' Heisman legacy).

But we need receivers. FAST receivers. We need big, fast defensive lineman.

This applies to basketball, too. We have no one representing us in the NBA right now....and thus, our basketball recruiting is tough.

What do ya'll think?

To an extent, you are correct. USC sends more than their fair share of DB's and Safeties to the NFL. Better yet, we send our fair share of players period. For example;

Kalimba Edwards
Travelle Wharton
Troy Williamson
Dunta Robinson

As for recruiting, we are getting ahead of ourselves. There is a little less than a month between now and NSD. I think USC has a fine recruiting class so far for someone that has less than 71 days to recruit a team. You have to give Spurrier his props. He's getting the best players he can. Currently our class is ranked 32 by Rivals.com and by the time recruiting is over, I really feel we will have a Top-25 class. We are about 3 4-Star players away from a Top-25 recruiting class and we will bring those guys in.

Relax and take in the fresh air.... :)

[Stockcock]

I think thats true Gal. Right after George Rodgers we got our pick of RBs for awhile. Sterling Sharpe and Robert Brookes gave us some good WRs. Ko Simpson was high profile picking off some passes this year so he probably helped in the DB department.

We are in on some good WRs (Shelly, McClellan and others) as well as some RBs - especially Ford and maybe we'll get a serious look from Davis. Spurrier also seems to be in on some good TEs so that will help the OL. Defensively, Green and Pepper are about as good as we'll get and at LB we don't seem to be in on any true blue chippers. We really need the skill people anyway.

[cocky4ever]

I noticed this while glancing at rivals.com. We seem to be struggling in recruiting in a lot of areas, but for some reason, we are having no trouble landing DBs.

My theory is this: Nothing is more important to HS players these days than believing they have a shot at the pros — and this is true in football and basketball. Defensive backs are represented well by USC in the NFL....and have been for several years. Arturo Freeman, Willie Offord, Andre Goodman, Sheldon Brown are just a few names off the top of my head.

This is what so many programs use to sell high school kids on.....come play with us and we'll get you to the NFL.

The good news is: Kids believe they can do that at USC.....as a defensive back. The bad news is: Apparently they DON'T believe this applies to any other position....though we have been fairly successful recruiting running backs over the last 30 years (which I attribute, in part, to George Rogers' Heisman legacy).

But we need receivers. FAST receivers. We need big, fast defensive lineman.

This applies to basketball, too. We have no one representing us in the NBA right now....and thus, our basketball recruiting is tough.

What do ya'll think?
I would say thats a pretty good assessment. Football should get better in the future. With the defensive staff we have we shouldnt have a problem keeping that up for a while. Just the name Spurrier will help with receivers and we've been sucessful with backs lately and I dont ssee that changing anytime soon. Basketball on the other hand I'm not so sure about. High school players should see the potential in our team and a big inside presence would make a huge difference right away. That should be appealing to a lot of big players. With the facilities and Odom coaching I dont see why we cant get better players to come in at key positions. Someone isnt doing their job.

[LesR923]

Have you guys seen our recruits for basketball this season? It seems as though they are finally going after the big guys. Everyone is atleast 6-4 with a few 6-8r's and such. We are definitly going for size. Football is going to be great IMO. Definitly heading in the right direction thats for sure.

[Neo]

Have you guys seen our recruits for basketball this season? It seems as though they are finally going after the big guys. Everyone is atleast 6-4 with a few 6-8r's and such. We are definitly going for size. Football is going to be great IMO. Definitly heading in the right direction thats for sure.


I may be wrong, but I heard about someone that's 7-1. :)

[LesR923]

no you aren't wrong. Its a "prospect" from Kentucky I believe. Doesn't weigh much but I guess thats what the weight trainers are for. Anyways I dont think that we will get him, but he is an interest. Id imagine UK will keep him in state

[LesR923]

here is the link http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=184&p=9&cfg=bb&c=4.
Not sure why Im posting it on this topis but it is neat info

[Galactus]

It's my understanding the guy from Kentucky wants to play at UK first and foremost......and will look at other schools if UK doesn't offer.

Unlike here, guys in other states seem loyal to their state school!

Anyway, it sounds like a blessing in disguise that the other big guy from California didn't get in. My only question is, why was Odom even bothering to recruit him in the first place? We can't afford to waste schollys on "projects."

DeLoreanfan,

I'd say if we manage to get a top 25 football class, we'd have to be pretty satisfied, given the coaching change and Spurrier's late start. That would be quite an achievement under the circumstances.

[vmandan]

I think we will be pleasantly satisfied when the season starts up this fall. I truly believe that if S. Carolina can't get all the 4 star and 3 star players from recruiting, Steve Spurrier has the experience to coach and teach all the USC players to be 4 star athletes! Go cocks!

[TKE223]

You guys are forgetting about John Abraham. How could you forget him.

[Neo]

DeLoreanfan,

I'd say if we manage to get a top 25 football class, we'd have to be pretty satisfied, given the coaching change and Spurrier's late start. That would be quite an achievement under the circumstances.

Agreed! :) :D :) :D

[Chikin Scratch]

I noticed this while glancing at rivals.com. We seem to be struggling in recruiting in a lot of areas, but for some reason, we are having no trouble landing DBs.

My theory is this: Nothing is more important to HS players these days than believing they have a shot at the pros — and this is true in football and basketball. Defensive backs are represented well by USC in the NFL....and have been for several years. Arturo Freeman, Willie Offord, Andre Goodman, Sheldon Brown are just a few names off the top of my head.

This is what so many programs use to sell high school kids on.....come play with us and we'll get you to the NFL.

The good news is: Kids believe they can do that at USC.....as a defensive back. The bad news is: Apparently they DON'T believe this applies to any other position....though we have been fairly successful recruiting running backs over the last 30 years (which I attribute, in part, to George Rogers' Heisman legacy).

But we need receivers. FAST receivers. We need big, fast defensive lineman.

This applies to basketball, too. We have no one representing us in the NBA right now....and thus, our basketball recruiting is tough.

What do ya'll think?

Gal, I think you're right about the DB's. Most kids that play football want to go to the NFL. USC is WELL represented in that department. Plus, USC is typically good on defense. So, DB's get a chance to shine. Plus, we are in the SEC where most teams have passing attacks that allow them to show their stuff. If most of our opponents were option style offenses, I think these guys would head elsewhere. This further explains why a lot of kids wanted nothing to do with Lou's offense but now consider/commit to USC under SS. Any smart player wants to go where they can showcase their talent and be a part of a winning program. Plus, to a large extent, I think most DB's rely on talent and not so much on coaching. The fundamentals of being a DB are fairly simple. Execution/Talent is the key. I think USC has been pretty sorry in developing players but the DB's have continued to excel. Plus, we get lucky with the occasional Ko Simpson. :)