The loss of Travian Robertson to Clemson is hard to swallow. From a fan's perspective, it's like being kicked in the stomach. USC had two veteran recruiters, both with deep ties to the state of North Carolina involved with Robertson's recruitment, in Fred Chatham and Brad Lawing. Robertson has known Lawing for two years. The two had built a close relationship. Just one month ago, it appeared that Robertson was a lock to USC. Then Clemson and Billy Napier entered the picture. Now, Robertson is just waiting on Thursday to don his Clemson apparel at a news conference, when his commitment will become public.
Make no mistake about it, this is a big loss, and it is a statement by Clemson. This is the second player that has committed to Clemson this summer after being a one-time strong lean to USC. The other is Lake City, SC linebacker Scotty Cooper. Clemson is winning the battle head-to head against USC both in and out of South Carolina. And until USC starts beating Clemson on the field, I don't think it is going to change, even with Steve Spurrier as the Head Ball Coach. What makes it worse is, from all indications, another one-time USC lean, Cheraw High School defensive end Cliff Matthews is all but committed to the University of Georgia. He had been considered a strong USC lean since the early spring.
USC's top priority for the 2007 signing class, along with wide receiver, is defensive linemen. More specifically, jumbo-athlete pass rushers, just like Matthews and Robertson. So, USC is left to ask itself this question: Where do we go from here?
Below is a list of the top defensive ends left on USC's board, and Cockfather Illustrated's evaluation on each as a prospect and USC's chances.
1)Carlos Dunlap 6'6 240 4.7 Fort Dorchester High School. Dunlap is the top rated defensive end prospect on both Clemson and USC's in-state board, ranking ahead of Cliff Matthews. Dunlap is very athletic and has the frame to carry 270 pounds with out losing any speed. His father, Carlos Dunlap, Sr.. played basketball at USC in 1979 and is in strong favor of is son making an early commitment to USC. Florida, Georgia, and Clemson appear to be the biggest competition here. Brad Lawing and Stece Spurrier, Jr. are recruiting for USC.
2)Jabaal Sheard 6'4 240 4.6 Hollywood Hills, FL- Sheard is a prospect that burst on the scene at the Miami Nike Combine in April. USC, Ala, Aub, Pitt, and Rutgers appear to be at the top of Sheard's list. If and when USC make a big push, I really like their chances. Sheard has been in contact with USC defenisve line coach Brad Lawing in the past tow weeks, and I like that relationship as Lawing and USC were the first to offer. Robert Gillespie and Brad Lawing are recruiting for USC.
3)Cortez Myles 6'3 255 4.7 Madison, MS- Myles is a big-time prospect, but academics are a concern. His offer sheet would expand greatly if his academic situation improves. USC has been on him from the start. Auburn Ole Miss, LSU, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida are the other major players for Myles services at the present time. Hopefully Myles is this year's Darian Stewart. Robert Gillespie and Brad Lawing are recruiting for USC.
4)Jarius Wynn 6'5 270 4.7 Georgia Military JC- Wynn is from the historic Lincoln County program that produced Garrison Hurst. Due to the relationship between the two schools, I really like USC's chances for Wynn, should they push for his commitment. As a mid-year graduate, Wynn would be able to go through USC's winter program and spring practice. Wynn could be this year's version of asper Brinkley. Ron COoper and Brad Lawing are rexruiting for USC.
5) Jazzmen Guy 6'5 250 4.8 Hazelhurst, MS- Guy was an early commitment to Mississippi State, but appears ready to look around this fall for the perfect fit. USC is among his most recent offers, and word is that USC recruiter Robert Gillespie is set to turn up the heat. If USC can get this magnolia state gem on campus, they could be difficult to beat. Robert Gillespie and Brad Lawing are recruiting for USC.
These are just five names that are at the top of the recruting board for now. Rest assured that USC's coaches are not down and out over the recent weeks events with Mattews and Robertson. USC will continue to recruit both players hard right up until signing day. But there are planety of outstanding prospects stil out there. USC is looking to sign three defensive ends in this class, and should be able to meet that need with quality SEC caliber players.
Look for sime other names from the state of Florida to pop up on USC's board soon at both defensive end and defensive tackle.
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4 comments:
"And until USC starts beating Clemson on the field, I don't think it is going to change, even with Steve Spurrier as the Head Ball Coach."
Amen.
CFI, I think Myles is a DT at the next level. I also think we get him if we want him, possibly sooner rather than later(read in a PK article). If we can pull Wynn, Sheard and Dunlap, I'll count my blessings and move on. Believe it or not, it looks like Sheard and Dunlap have more physical ability than Robertson and Matthews, which is a large feet in its own right. I hope we only take one JUCO DL, but it might come down to us trying to find a JUCO that can play there too, considering the lack of development by guys like Matt Raysor. Wesley Saunders and Markeno Lee are two tweeners(possible DT's that are DE's right now) to keep your eyes and ears open for.
Eddy, I agree on both Lee and Saunders. Getting Sunders to campus is huge for USC. I will try to find out if he is oging to make that visit. Right now, I would have to frecast Saunders to UNC, but USC did lead for much of the winter and spring. It will e interesting to see how that one shakes out.
I also agree about Sheard, Dunlap and Wynn. I also think that USC may have to take a jc guy inside at DT as well. I relaly like Anthony Williams film. I also think USC can turn him if they push. Playing in front of your family and frineds at USC has to sound more appealing than being stuck in Starkville for the next two years.
Myles could grow into a DT, but could also be a bigtime strong-side DE at around 275 pounds,much like the guys that UT has killed us with since USC joined the SEC.
Thanks for this CF. Win on the field and our recruiting will work out fine. You know all those years that we boasted about whipping CU in recruiting and where did that get us? I think we will be ok we will just have to raid states likes Fla and Miss and it looks like we are doing a good job of it.
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