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RichSC said...
Going in alphabetical order:
Nelson Agholor - Maybe not the fastest guy, but two things about him excite me: his vision (he sees not only the oncoming defender, but the defender BEYOND that guy), and his elusiveness. He has great hips and can really cut and juke people. And he doesn't have to gather himself much to make those cuts, which is a nice gift.
Projection: Be interesting to see if he contributes out of the gate. My suspicion is that 2013 and not 2012 will be his first big contributions to the team.
Zach Banner - I've written about him a great deal already based on the AA game and practice footage. Still an awkward player at this stage because he's not fully in command of that huge frame of his. But what a frame it is. The thought of a 6'8"/6'9", 330-lb guy getting a handle on his coordination as well as his footwork/technique is a scary thought. He's a bit lead-footed and lumbering right now, but that's all part of his physical development. He shows the ability to be able to bend his knees, as well as get out and move, but right now he does a lot of lunging and waist-bending since he doesn't really know what he's doing yet. But he truly is the ultimate left tackle prospect.
Projection: Don't see much middle ground with Banner. He's either going to be an incredible player or not. Whatever the case, I don't see him being a regular contributor for two years. Next year should be a redshirt year for sure as he rebuilds his body and learns how to play the game.
Gerald Bowman - Physical, in-the-box type safety. Not so certain about his coverage skills, but he certainly knows how to tackle and disrupt things near the LOS.
Projection: Should have an instant impact on special teams. Not sure he's going to see the field a lot early on-- at whose expense? Starling's? TMac's? 2013 is more likely when he sees regular reps.
Morgan Breslin - Wow, is this kid quick off the snap. Just explosive. Even knows a few basic moves; I saw him do an inside spin on some poor LT and he just went right to the QB and clocked him. I have no idea if he can defend the run or be stout against a tackle or a pulling guard, but he is absolutely a pass-rushing threat. Very instinctive and natural coming off the edge.
Projection: Could very well make an impact in 2012 as a situational pass rusher. I see sacks in Breslin's future.
Jalen-Cope Fitzpatrick - Does not look like a high school kid. Looks like a veteran college player the way he gets downfield, gets himself open, and effortlessly catches the ball with that big, soft pair of hands. Very tough, I saw him absorb some hits, and he's completely fearless going across the middle. And the funniest thing is... blocking is his forte. Truly your classic "combo" TE.
Projection: Probably should RS him in 2012; don't really need him since we have four great players at his spot. But he should be ready to contribute bigtime in 2013 and beyond.
Jahleel Pinner - I only really saw him play tailback this year. Runs very hard, nothing flashy, loves contact, will run over you.
Projection: Ideally should RS this year unless something goes wrong with Soma and the TE's sharing FB duties.
Darreus Rogers - Tough player to evaluate. His HS film seems to consist 95% of him running downfield, waving his arms at the QB ("throw it to me"), and either catching the ball wide open or outjumping a much smaller player for the ball. He reminds me a lot of the Giants' WR Hakeem Nicks physically with his big frame and large hands, but it remains to be seen if Darreus has the quickness, the speed, the acceleration, the sharpness coming in and out of his breaks to get separation against top-flight college DB's. Getting open is something that Robert Woods and Marqise Lee have no trouble doing but David Ausberry (for example) struggled with. We'll learn a lot about Rogers the next couple of years.
Projection: Despite his desire to have early playing time, not sure if Rogers doesn't redshirt in 2012. Depends on the overall numbers at WR, I would guess.
Jabari Ruffin - Another tough player to evaluate on film. One thing that is clear about Jabari is that he will hit you, he really explodes through the ballcarrier on contact. I haven't seen enough film of him at LB to know whether he's completely comfortable doing zone drops, being aware of things in space, possessing great LB instincts, etc. He certainly has all the tools you want in a LB in terms of size, ability to move, etc.
Projection: Not sure if we need him to play in 2012. It may benefit him to be on the scout team and really LEARN the LB position at the college level. Or maybe he doesn't RS and plays on ST's this year. Will be interesting to see.
Kevon Seymour - One of the jewels of this recruiting class. Has the classic fluid hips of a good CB, very comfortable in his backpedal, can flip his hips and change direction quickly, possesses good burst and closing speed, etc. I noticed in the Army practice videos that he's a bit "grabby" and will need to watch that on the college level. Kevon also needs to work on ball awareness; a number of times he was in great position on the WR but simply never knew the ball was coming, and would allow a completion despite excellent coverage. Seymour is a very physical CB and he likes to hit. Maybe my favorite thing about him, though, is the way he's always reading the QB at the snap and gathering clues about where the play is going. This portends good things going forward for Seymour, it indicates he's a smart player who understands the game.
Projection: Could very well see the field as a true freshman, with his ability. Depends a lot on what happens on the depth chart with regards to injuries, etc.
Devian Shelton - USC stole this kid at the 11th hour and he's a very nice addition. Not the "natural" CB that Seymour is-- more of a big, fast kid with a lot of raw ability. Yet another very physical player who will hit you violently when you're nearby. Good size, good speed, seems to have everything you need to be a very good CB in the future for USC. One thing he'll have to work on is his balance-- I often saw him stumble coming out of his backpedal or when he'd have to change directions quickly. This is undoubtedly about technique; he certainly isn't lacking for athletic ability.
Projection: Definite redshirt for 2012 IMO. Look for him to start making some noise in a couple of years.
Jordan Simmons - I'm already on the record as saying this kid is the most complete OL I've watched all year. Just has it all in terms of size, smarts, athletic ability, and even has decent technique already with his slide step. The only problem Jordan had in HS is that he clearly got bored at times out there-- easy to do when you're that much better than everyone else. But this kid has a huge future here, either as a guard or a tackle. Just a perfect-looking football player to me; can't wait to see what Cregg does with him.
Projection: Could probably contribute in 2012 as a spot player and maybe even give someone a run for his money as a starter. My gut feeling, however, is that Jordan is a year away from being a major contributor, but injuries could change that in a hurry.
Scott Starr - Like him a lot. Just a born LB. Heady, smart, reads the play instantly and is always one of the first guys to the ballcarrier. Really your classic LB. Not sure about his speed-- it looks adequate to me, if not great. But he does have a closing burst when he has his sights on you, and he drives right through the ballcarrier with violence. Starr reminds me a lot of a healthy young Chris Galippo-- maybe not quite as deft in pass coverage, but always around the ball.
Projection: Could easily redshirt in 2012 and it probably wouldn't hurt us. But I could also see him being a ST demon and also getting valuable experience in garbage time. Looks a lot more ready to see the field to me at this point than his counterpart, Ruffin. I would guess he's going to be a starter in a couple of years but a contributor earlier than that.
Max Tuerk - Another guy I've written about extensively already. Just the classic guard candidate-- quick off the ball, amazing effort on every play, nasty. Think of a bigger John Martinez and you have Tuerk. He could probably see time as tackle (Kiffin has already made mention of that) but I truly believe his best spot is guard... I see him driving guys backward amidst a pile of bodies on the interior of every running play.
Projection: Another one who could easily RS as we may not need him in 2012 with all of the returnees on the OL. But you never know. Max could put himself in the rotation along with Simmons. Whatever the case, I think he's 1-2 years away from being a regular contributor.
Chad Wheeler - I'm genuinely excited about this kid. No question he's a project, but I see a very tall young man with a great frame who already knows how to get low off the snap and punish people. Like a lot of tall young players (Banner, Peat, Murphy), he lumbers a little bit due to his height, but in a couple of years when he's fully gotten comfortable with his size, he could very well be looked back on as one of the steals of this class. Most of his HS film is playing DE, but the little I saw of him lined up at tackle, he looked very promising. I'm not blowing smoke when I say that Wheeler has the potential to be as good as any tackle in this class (save perhaps for Banner and Peat, who are freakishly big), because he has the athletic ability and feet that you need to play tackle. All he needs is weight, strength, and a ton of instruction. Incidentally, Chad plays with a nasty disposition-- always a plus.
Projection: Not going to make an impact here for probably three years. But if he goes about everything the right way and does exactly what he's told, he could be a legitimate starter at LT/RT for USC... and a good one.
Leonard Williams - Holy cow, can this kid play. Most of his HS film had him at DT and specifically nose guard, and he just comes off the ball and knocks people around. Plays nice and low, generates great leverage and push, is fantastic at disengaging from blockers (uses his hands beautifully), is very quick afoot (saw him hurdle guys trying to cut-block him at least a half-dozen times), always keeps his head up to watch the ball, pursues like a beast, and brings the lumber in a big way when he hits you. THIS kid could be the late-signing of the century for USC. I see nothing but great ability, great effort, and great upside. I honestly didn't spot any weaknesses to his game.
Projection: Kiffin wants him to start at SDE. I think he'll play right away and contribute right away.
Josh Shaw - Wasn't going to include him initially as he's a transfer and not a recruit. But Shaw is a good "centerfield" type safety who has ball skills, making him the perfect complement to Gerald Bowman (who plays in the box). I think Shaw's smarts and maturity (he's been through a great deal with his family the past year) is going to help him make the most of this opportunity at USC.
Projection: Should be a great transitional safety for the next great batch of safeties arriving at USC in 2013 (Max Redfield, et al). I think he'll play and perhaps start in 2013/2014.
What is happiness? The feeling that power is growing, that resistance is overcome.--Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
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RecklessRew said...
He's currently appealing to play this year. I believe if the appeal is successful he has 3 years to play. If not he'll have to sit out next year and then have two years to play.
What is happiness? The feeling that power is growing, that resistance is overcome.--Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
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RichSC said...
Josh Shaw - Wasn't going to include him initially as he's a transfer and not a recruit. But Shaw is a good "centerfield" type safety who has ball skills, making him the perfect complement to Gerald Bowman (who plays in the box). I think Shaw's smarts and maturity (he's been through a great deal with his family the past year) is going to help him make the most of this opportunity at USC.
Projection: Should be a great transitional safety for the next great batch of safeties arriving at USC in 2013 (Max Redfield, et al). I think he'll play and perhaps start in 2013/2014.
What is happiness? The feeling that power is growing, that resistance is overcome.--Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
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TrojanzFreak
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RichSC said...
Going in alphabetical order:
Nelson Agholor - Maybe not the fastest guy, but two things about him excite me: his vision (he sees not only the oncoming defender, but the defender BEYOND that guy), and his elusiveness. He has great hips and can really cut and juke people. And he doesn't have to gather himself much to make those cuts, which is a nice gift.
Projection: Be interesting to see if he contributes out of the gate. My suspicion is that 2013 and not 2012 will be his first big contributions to the team.
Zach Banner - I've written about him a great deal already based on the AA game and practice footage. Still an awkward player at this stage because he's not fully in command of that huge frame of his. But what a frame it is. The thought of a 6'8"/6'9", 330-lb guy getting a handle on his coordination as well as his footwork/technique is a scary thought. He's a bit lead-footed and lumbering right now, but that's all part of his physical development. He shows the ability to be able to bend his knees, as well as get out and move, but right now he does a lot of lunging and waist-bending since he doesn't really know what he's doing yet. But he truly is the ultimate left tackle prospect.
Projection: Don't see much middle ground with Banner. He's either going to be an incredible player or not. Whatever the case, I don't see him being a regular contributor for two years. Next year should be a redshirt year for sure as he rebuilds his body and learns how to play the game.
Gerald Bowman - Physical, in-the-box type safety. Not so certain about his coverage skills, but he certainly knows how to tackle and disrupt things near the LOS.
Projection: Should have an instant impact on special teams. Not sure he's going to see the field a lot early on-- at whose expense? Starling's? TMac's? 2013 is more likely when he sees regular reps.
Morgan Breslin - Wow, is this kid quick off the snap. Just explosive. Even knows a few basic moves; I saw him do an inside spin on some poor LT and he just went right to the QB and clocked him. I have no idea if he can defend the run or be stout against a tackle or a pulling guard, but he is absolutely a pass-rushing threat. Very instinctive and natural coming off the edge.
Projection: Could very well make an impact in 2012 as a situational pass rusher. I see sacks in Breslin's future.
Jalen-Cope Fitzpatrick - Does not look like a high school kid. Looks like a veteran college player the way he gets downfield, gets himself open, and effortlessly catches the ball with that big, soft pair of hands. Very tough, I saw him absorb some hits, and he's completely fearless going across the middle. And the funniest thing is... blocking is his forte. Truly your classic "combo" TE.
Projection: Probably should RS him in 2012; don't really need him since we have four great players at his spot. But he should be ready to contribute bigtime in 2013 and beyond.
Jahleel Pinner - I only really saw him play tailback this year. Runs very hard, nothing flashy, loves contact, will run over you.
Projection: Ideally should RS this year unless something goes wrong with Soma and the TE's sharing FB duties.
Darreus Rogers - Tough player to evaluate. His HS film seems to consist 95% of him running downfield, waving his arms at the QB ("throw it to me"), and either catching the ball wide open or outjumping a much smaller player for the ball. He reminds me a lot of the Giants' WR Hakeem Nicks physically with his big frame and large hands, but it remains to be seen if Darreus has the quickness, the speed, the acceleration, the sharpness coming in and out of his breaks to get separation against top-flight college DB's. Getting open is something that Robert Woods and Marqise Lee have no trouble doing but David Ausberry (for example) struggled with. We'll learn a lot about Rogers the next couple of years.
Projection: Despite his desire to have early playing time, not sure if Rogers doesn't redshirt in 2012. Depends on the overall numbers at WR, I would guess.
Jabari Ruffin - Another tough player to evaluate on film. One thing that is clear about Jabari is that he will hit you, he really explodes through the ballcarrier on contact. I haven't seen enough film of him at LB to know whether he's completely comfortable doing zone drops, being aware of things in space, possessing great LB instincts, etc. He certainly has all the tools you want in a LB in terms of size, ability to move, etc.
Projection: Not sure if we need him to play in 2012. It may benefit him to be on the scout team and really LEARN the LB position at the college level. Or maybe he doesn't RS and plays on ST's this year. Will be interesting to see.
Kevon Seymour - One of the jewels of this recruiting class. Has the classic fluid hips of a good CB, very comfortable in his backpedal, can flip his hips and change direction quickly, possesses good burst and closing speed, etc. I noticed in the Army practice videos that he's a bit "grabby" and will need to watch that on the college level. Kevon also needs to work on ball awareness; a number of times he was in great position on the WR but simply never knew the ball was coming, and would allow a completion despite excellent coverage. Seymour is a very physical CB and he likes to hit. Maybe my favorite thing about him, though, is the way he's always reading the QB at the snap and gathering clues about where the play is going. This portends good things going forward for Seymour, it indicates he's a smart player who understands the game.
Projection: Could very well see the field as a true freshman, with his ability. Depends a lot on what happens on the depth chart with regards to injuries, etc.
Devian Shelton - USC stole this kid at the 11th hour and he's a very nice addition. Not the "natural" CB that Seymour is-- more of a big, fast kid with a lot of raw ability. Yet another very physical player who will hit you violently when you're nearby. Good size, good speed, seems to have everything you need to be a very good CB in the future for USC. One thing he'll have to work on is his balance-- I often saw him stumble coming out of his backpedal or when he'd have to change directions quickly. This is undoubtedly about technique; he certainly isn't lacking for athletic ability.
Projection: Definite redshirt for 2012 IMO. Look for him to start making some noise in a couple of years.
Jordan Simmons - I'm already on the record as saying this kid is the most complete OL I've watched all year. Just has it all in terms of size, smarts, athletic ability, and even has decent technique already with his slide step. The only problem Jordan had in HS is that he clearly got bored at times out there-- easy to do when you're that much better than everyone else. But this kid has a huge future here, either as a guard or a tackle. Just a perfect-looking football player to me; can't wait to see what Cregg does with him.
Projection: Could probably contribute in 2012 as a spot player and maybe even give someone a run for his money as a starter. My gut feeling, however, is that Jordan is a year away from being a major contributor, but injuries could change that in a hurry.
Scott Starr - Like him a lot. Just a born LB. Heady, smart, reads the play instantly and is always one of the first guys to the ballcarrier. Really your classic LB. Not sure about his speed-- it looks adequate to me, if not great. But he does have a closing burst when he has his sights on you, and he drives right through the ballcarrier with violence. Starr reminds me a lot of a healthy young Chris Galippo-- maybe not quite as deft in pass coverage, but always around the ball.
Projection: Could easily redshirt in 2012 and it probably wouldn't hurt us. But I could also see him being a ST demon and also getting valuable experience in garbage time. Looks a lot more ready to see the field to me at this point than his counterpart, Ruffin. I would guess he's going to be a starter in a couple of years but a contributor earlier than that.
Max Tuerk - Another guy I've written about extensively already. Just the classic guard candidate-- quick off the ball, amazing effort on every play, nasty. Think of a bigger John Martinez and you have Tuerk. He could probably see time as tackle (Kiffin has already made mention of that) but I truly believe his best spot is guard... I see him driving guys backward amidst a pile of bodies on the interior of every running play.
Projection: Another one who could easily RS as we may not need him in 2012 with all of the returnees on the OL. But you never know. Max could put himself in the rotation along with Simmons. Whatever the case, I think he's 1-2 years away from being a regular contributor.
Chad Wheeler - I'm genuinely excited about this kid. No question he's a project, but I see a very tall young man with a great frame who already knows how to get low off the snap and punish people. Like a lot of tall young players (Banner, Peat, Murphy), he lumbers a little bit due to his height, but in a couple of years when he's fully gotten comfortable with his size, he could very well be looked back on as one of the steals of this class. Most of his HS film is playing DE, but the little I saw of him lined up at tackle, he looked very promising. I'm not blowing smoke when I say that Wheeler has the potential to be as good as any tackle in this class (save perhaps for Banner and Peat, who are freakishly big), because he has the athletic ability and feet that you need to play tackle. All he needs is weight, strength, and a ton of instruction. Incidentally, Chad plays with a nasty disposition-- always a plus.
Projection: Not going to make an impact here for probably three years. But if he goes about everything the right way and does exactly what he's told, he could be a legitimate starter at LT/RT for USC... and a good one.
Leonard Williams - Holy cow, can this kid play. Most of his HS film had him at DT and specifically nose guard, and he just comes off the ball and knocks people around. Plays nice and low, generates great leverage and push, is fantastic at disengaging from blockers (uses his hands beautifully), is very quick afoot (saw him hurdle guys trying to cut-block him at least a half-dozen times), always keeps his head up to watch the ball, pursues like a beast, and brings the lumber in a big way when he hits you. THIS kid could be the late-signing of the century for USC. I see nothing but great ability, great effort, and great upside. I honestly didn't spot any weaknesses to his game.
Projection: Kiffin wants him to start at SDE. I think he'll play right away and contribute right away.
Josh Shaw - Wasn't going to include him initially as he's a transfer and not a recruit. But Shaw is a good "centerfield" type safety who has ball skills, making him the perfect complement to Gerald Bowman (who plays in the box). I think Shaw's smarts and maturity (he's been through a great deal with his family the past year) is going to help him make the most of this opportunity at USC.
Projection: Should be a great transitional safety for the next great batch of safeties arriving at USC in 2013 (Max Redfield, et al). I think he'll play and perhaps start in 2013/2014.
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My Thumbnail Reviews on Our 15 Signees (Including EE's)