Commentary: Travian Robertson and Cliff Matthews

So much has been made about JC's article yesterday on Travian Robertson and Cliff Matthews that a few points need to be addressed. First of all, Travian Robertson is one of the most critical recruits for the Gamecocks this year. Defensive end is probably the biggest need for this recruiting class. The 6'4 230 pound Robertson is not only a blue chip prospect, but he is also a mid-year graduate which would allow him to enroll at USC in January and go through winter workouts and spring practice. In my opinion, if Robertson does choose USC, he will start from day one.

Matthews is just as important as Robertosn to USC's in-state recruiting efforts. The Gamecocks jumped off to a fast start in recruiting by securing springtime commitments from Rivals 100 CB Gary Gray and OL/DL Quintin Richardson. It appeared at that time that USC was poised to bring home several key commitments by the end of summer, including Robertson and Matthews. USC has lead most of the spring and into the summer on both Robertson and Cheraw HS DE Cliff Matthews. USC's lead has now completely eroded with Matthews, and the lead is in danger of slipping with Robertson. Should USC lose both of these priority recruits, their momentum would be seriously damaged and it could cause a downward spiraling effect with other key recruits that could be crippling to the 2007 recruiting class.

With Georgia clearly leading on Matthews heading into his last unofficial visit to USC, it looks like the best USC can hope for is a split with these two rivals 100 members. Losing the 6'4 225 pound Matthews would be a blow to USC's first year recruiting coordinator David Reaves. It would represent the second top in-state prospect that Reaves could lose, after being named the clear leader earlier in the recruiting process.

That makes Robertson even more critical for USC. Just as Rivals.com Southeast recruiting analyst JC Shurburtt wrote yesterday, much in recruiting is based on perception. In most cases, perception is reality. USC has held a lead with the Laurinburg, NC native due to his relationship with USC defensive line coach Brad Lawing. Should USC lose Roebrtson to Clemson, the perception by many recruits would be that USC is not a place all top notch recruits should attend, but that USC only got a couple of players in their back yard, while others continue to go elsewhere. Gaining a commitment from Robertson would be a coupe for Clemson first year assitant Billy Napier, and show Clemson's continued dominance over USC in recruiting.The commtment speeches made by Gary Gray and Quinitn Richardson specifically naming other blue-chip recruits such as Junior Hemingway, Mark Barnes, Cliff Matthews, and others would appear not to have hang rang true with Matthews and Robertson.

USC does have one final shot at Matthews, with the jumbo-athlete scheduled to visit the Columbia campus this coming Thursday, July 20th. At that time, he will sit down with USC Head Football Coach Steve Spurrier, assistant coach David Reaves and defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix. The outcome of that meeting will be a tell-tale for USC's chances to turn Matthews. The next day, Travian Robertson will be meeting face to face with Clemson Head Coach Tommy Bowden. The outcomes of those two meetings will go a long way to determining the success of USC's 2007 recruiting class.