Cockfather Illustrated's 2007 Ten Most Wanted List

I know it is early, but it's not really that early to compile a top 10 or 10 most wanted list for football recruiting. USC already has 3 names that would have been on an earlier list, in commitments Gary Gray, Quintin Richardson, and Brian Maddox.

There are two glaring needs for this recruiting class, quality defensive linemen and big-time wide receivers. I think USC is in great shape to fill those needs, much like last years class filled a need in bringing in several big-time OL prospects, such as Garrett Anderson, Kevin Young, Hutch Eckerson, and Clarence Bailey.

This is the summer 10 most wanted list, and the list will be updated as USC becomes involved with more prospects. They will be listed in alphabetical order.

WR Jason Barnes 6'4 196 4.46 Charlotte, NC- Barnes is the next in the line of big-time WR prospects from Independence High School. He should emerge as one of the top WR prospects in the nation in 2006. Rivals.com Analyst JC Shurburtt said "Jason Barnes has as much ability and potential as any player in the nation at his position." Barnes was outstanding at the Athens, GA Nike Combine and was noticed there by USC assistant coach David Reaves. Fred Chatham is recruiting Barnes for the Gamecocks. The primary competition for his services comes from North Carolina. Jason and his family were just on campus at USC over the weekend and according to multiple sources, Jason is close to giving USC his verbal commitment. Fred Chatham's longtime friendship with Ind'ce head coach Tommy Knotts and the fact that USC was the first to offer should benefit the gamecocks.

ATH Mark Barnes 6'2 193 4.6 Richland Northeast High School- A teammate of USC commitment Gary Gray, Barnes is one of the top rated athletes in the country. Barnes could star on the college level as either a WR or FS. He possesses excellent instincts and football speed. As a junior, Barnes had 25 receptions for 545 yards, a 21.8 average per reception, and 5 TD's. On defense, Barnes recorded 83 tackles with 5 int's and 9 pass break-ups. USC recruiting coordinator David Reaves is recruiting Mark for the Gamecocks. Barnes has been long considered a USC lock since last summer when the soon to be senior wanted to commit to the Gamecocks during fall practice. Notre Dame, Southern Cal, and Virginia Tech appear to be the schools other than USC that interest Mark the most. I look for Barnes to ultimately commit to USC after taking a few trips this fall. IF he is selected, Barnes could commit to USC on NBC during the U.S. Army All-American game in San Antonio, TX in mid-January.

DE Carlos Dunlap 6'6 240 4.7 Fort Dorchester High School- although Dunlap did not take any spring visits or attend any combines, he still rates as one of the top DL prospects in the nation, and could make his way into the Rivals 100 with a strong senior season. New USC DL coach Brad Lawing is recruiting for the Gamecocks and the primary competition for Dunlap's signature will be Georgia and Florida. Carlos is only 16 years old, so he could still have a major growth spurt left that could send him into the interior DL in college.

QB Stephen Garcia 6'2 202 4.7 Tampa, FL- recently selected to the Elite 11 QB camp for 2007, Garcia would rate at the top of almost every schools QB board. He is big, athletic, and make plays with his arm on the run. He is also a very intelligent young man. All of these qualities have intrigued the OBC. I really think Syvelle Newton opened Spurrier's eyes to a different dimension his offense can undertake: a mobile QB that can make plays and challenge defenses in a different way. As a junior, Garcia passed for over 2800 yards and 28 TD's. He also rushed for over 700 yards and scored 8 TD's. Stephen's family has a longstanding relationship with the USC recruiting coordinator David Reaves, and USC is in strong position with Garcia entering the month of July. A verbal commitment should happen by the beginning of football season. An added benefit for USC is that Garcia is a mid-year graduate and will be able to enroll in January of 2007.

WR/RB Dion Lecorn 6'0 205 4.48 Ocala, FL- Lecorn is the top target of Texas commitment John Brantley, and is considered one of the top WR prospects in the southeast. Dion is a thick, physical WR prospect that could also see some action as a RB at the next level. He is only 16 years old and speculation is that he could easily fill out at 225 pounds or more. As a junior, Lecorn had 59 receptions for over 1100 yards and 11 TD's. Steve Spurrier, Jr is recruiting for the Gamecocks. Lecorn has a final two of USC and FLorida. He could make a decision by the end of summer. Sources indicate that USC currently holds the lead for this talented prospect, but the key will be getting Lecorn on campus in order to secure his commitment.

DE/TE Cliff Matthews 6'4 225 4.6 Cheraw HS- Matthews had his coming out party at the Gainesville, FL Nile Combine in May. His performance there thrust him into the Rivals 100 heading into the summer months. As a junior, this jumbo-athlete had 66 tackles, 7 sacks, and 4 fumble recoveries. Matthews is also an exceptional basketball player and could play both sports at the next level. He is being recruited by USC assistant David Reaves. The primary competition appears to be Georgia and Clemson, but USC is the clear leader. Barring a last second change of heart, Matthews should commit to USC by the start of football season.

DT Alfred McCullough 6'3 297 4.9 Athens, AL- McCullough is one of the premier defensive tackles in the southeast, and is ranked 26th at his position nationally by rivals.com. As a junior, McCullough registered 67 total tackles, 16 TFL, and 11 sacks. He boasts a 340 pound bench press and a squat of 525 pounds. Ron Cooper is recuiting for the Gamecocks, and USC enters the month of July in McCullough's top two, along with the in-state Alabama Crimson Tide. McCullough could make a decision this summer, and a trip to Richland County is not out of the question. "Steve Spurrier is a great football coach. They've got a good staff and they need defensive linemen. I might be taking a visit there. Me and coach (Ron) Cooper have talked about that." It will be hard to beat the Crimson Tide for McCullough's services, but a major key is getting him on campus before he makes a decision.

DE Travian Robertson 6'4 230 4.58 Laurinburg, NC- Perhaps the top rated prospect on USC's board regardless of position, Robertson could possibly be the most ready to play prospect USC is recruiting. Despite missing all but two games of his junior season with a torn ACL, Robertson turned in a 4.58 40 yard dash at a shrine bowl combine this spring. Also adding to the intrigue of Robertson is the fact that he will graduate fr 6'3 297om high school in December, thus enrolling at his school of choice in January of 2007. USC assistants Brad Lawing and Fred Chatham are recruiting for the Gamecocks. Robertson has reportedly narrowed his choices to USC, NC State, and Clemson. A decision is expected by the end of July. According to Multiple sources, USC is clearly the team to beat at the present time.

ATH Golden Tate 5'11 175 4.4 Hendersonville, TN- Tate is a multi-dimensional player that could play a versatile role in the USC offense. As a junior he had 305 carries for 2191 yards and 26 TD's. Tate also caught 76 passes for 1648 yards and 21 TD's. On defense, he recorded 10 INT's and also had 25 pass breakups. Steve Spurrier, Jr. is recruiting Tate for the Gamecocks. The main competition for Tate's services come from FL, FSU, MIA, AL, AUB, and ND. Tate currently hold offers from USC, AL, AUB, OM, MSU, and VY. USC's best chance to land Tate will depend on the big 3 in FL and ND not offering. USC likes Tate as a slot WR, but I could easily see him as a shut down CB as well.

DT Ian Williams 6'2 295 5.1 Longwood, FL- Williams could be the top DT prospect on USC's board. He is currently rates as a 4 star prospect by rivals.com and is rated the number 25 DT nationally. Williams has a bench press of 350 pounds and squats540 pounds. Robert Gillespie is recruiting for the Gamecocks, who currently reside firmly in Williams top 6, along with Florida, Notre Dame, Clemson, Auburn, and Tennessee. Williams is intruiged with the possibilty of playing for USC Head Coach Steve Spurrier.South Carolina "They are in the same boat as Notre Dame. Those are two new coaches with coach Weis at Notre Dame and Steve Spurrier at South Carolina. They are both trying to bring up those programs and get top notch recruits. They're trying to win a national championship." As a junior, Williams totaled 82 tackles, with 23 TFL and 3 sacks. Currently Williams favors the Florida Gators, but is not ready to make a decision anytime soon. He will likely take all five offical visits after his senior season.

Again, this is a summer list. There will be other prospects that could emerge in the 10 most wanted as the season progresses. As you can see, USC has an excellent shot at landing several of these prospects.