Trojans pull in an all-star recruiting class on ’09 Signing Day
By Ben Malcolmson
USCRipsIt
PeteCarroll.com
Signing Day culminates more than a year’s worth of phone calls, plane flights, long drives and high school visits.
And seeing the end results — USC’s Class of 2009 signees — shows that it was all completely worth it for the Trojans.
“We’re extremely excited about this class,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “The athletes and competitors in this group could make it one of the best we’ve ever had. We couldn’t be more thrilled with how it all came together.”
The players below have officially signed to play for USC in 2009. Here’s a player-by-player breakdown — the most complete look at the newest Trojans you'll find — for each member of the Class of 2009:
ALSO SEE: USCTROJANS.COM'S SIGNING DAY CENTRAL - VIDEOS OF ALL THE PROSPECTS
QUARTERBACK
Matt Barkley
Newport Beach (Mater Dei HS) • 6-3, 220
The facts: Four-year starter who threw for 2,877 yards in 2008 and 3,565 yards in 2007, when he was named Gatorade national player of the year; Named to numerous All-American teams in 2007 and 2008; His father, Les, played water polo at USC in 1976-79; Enrolled in January and will compete during Spring Practice
Might remind you of: Carson Palmer
Coach Carroll’s Three Things:
1. Experience: Four-year starter in high school
2. Established: “Matt’s proven that he’s the best quarterback in the country”
3. Attitude: Great competitor, smart, and has everything really together
Quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates: “His experience is the biggest thing — he’s played a lot of quarterback in his life. He looks polished, he can make all the throws, his arm strength is incredible. He has mobility and poise and the guy’s a winner. He’s already in the program and learning, which is great for him.”
WIDE RECEIVER
De’Von Flournoy
Van Nuys (Birmingham HS) • 6-0, 180
The facts: Averaged 24 yards per catch and had 9 TDs in 2008; Named to several All-American squads; Also returns punts and kickoffs
Might remind you of: A mixture between Damian Williams and Ronald Johnson
Coach Carroll’s Three Things:
1. Explosiveness: Fast and quick
2. Pass-catching ability: Excellent hands and is a dominant receiver
3. Dynamic: Can return kicks and is very versatile
Wide receivers coach John Morton: “He’s got big-time speed and he’s really good after the catch. He plays fast, real fast.”
FULLBACK
Simione Vehikite
Kapolei, Hawaii (Kapolei HS) • 6-0, 245
The facts: Also played linebacker in high school; Recorded 119 tackles and 10 sacks in 2008; Was also recruited to play rugby for Team USA; Is a citizen of Tonga
Might remind you of: Stanley Havili
Coach Carroll’s Three Things:
1. Unique qualities: Perfectly fits into fullback role; also has defensive mentality
2. Toughness: Very physical nature
3. Great hands: Catches the ball very well
Running backs coach Todd McNair: “He’s a physical, good hard-nosed football player, a really tough dude. He’s versatile, he can play linebacker and fullback, and he plays fullback with a linebacker mentality. He can run, catch, hit, all that good stuff you want in a fullback.”
OFFENSIVE LINE
John Martinez
Murray, Utah (Cottonwood HS) • 6-3, 275
The facts: Made several All-American squads in 2008; Has four cousins who all played at Utah in the ’90s and early ’00s; Went to same high school as current USC fullback Stanley Havili
Might remind you of: Ryan Kalil
Coach Carroll’s Three Things:
1. Effort: High-energy guy
2. Toughness
3. Unique quickness and agility
Offensive line coach Pat Ruel: “He’s got good quickness, plays with a lot of passion and is a high-energy guy. He’s not the tallest lineman, but his tenacity and passion are off the charts. He plays with an extraordinary amount of effort — he’s always downfield making plays — so the minute we saw him and his effort, we knew he was a guy we wanted on our team.”
Kevin Graf
Agoura (Agoura HS) • 6-6, 315
The facts: Widely considered the top offensive lineman in the West; Named to essentially every All-American team; Four-year starter in high school; Also played basketball, baseball and threw shot put for the track team in high school; His father, Allan, lettered three seasons as an offensive guard for the Trojans in 1970-72; His brother, Derek, played center for the Trojans in 2002
Might remind you of: Deuce Lutui or Sam Baker
Coach Carroll’s Three Things:
1. Physicality: “One of most physical players we’ve ever recruited”
2. Dominant
3. History with program: Attended many high school summer camps and has a family legacy with the Trojans
Offensive line coach Pat Ruel: “He’s big, strong and athletic and has marvelous body control for a guy his size. He’s got real good strength, he plays with a very competitive nature, he’s got long arms and can bend and defend against the pass rushers. He also has power for the run game. I like that he has a very passionate way of playing.”
DEFENSIVE LINE
Kevin Greene
Oakland (Sacred Heart HS) • 6-3, 235
The facts: Had 45 tackles and 28 sacks in 2008; Made several all-state teams in 2008; Has played only two years of football; Also played basketball in high school; Tried out for the U.S. national handball team this year
Might remind you of: Everson Griffen
Coach Carroll’s Three Things:
1. Fast
2. Superb agility and quickness
3. Versatility: Could play defensive end or outside linebacker
Defensive line coach Jethro Franklin: “Kevin is fast, fast, fast, lightning fast. He runs a 4.4 40. He’s a little raw but he is fast. We can’t coach speed, but we can coach everything else. I’m fired up about Kevin. I don’t think I’ve ever coached a guy this fast.”
Devon Kennard
Phoenix (Desert Vista HS) • 6-3, 255
The facts: Had 111 tackles and 24 sacks as a junior in 2007; Made several All-American teams in 2008 even though he appeared in only 3 games before tearing knee ligaments; His father, Derek, was an All-American offensive lineman at Nevada in the early ’80s before playing 11 seasons in the NFL, including winning the Super Bowl as a member of the Dallas Cowboys in 1995
Might remind you of: Lawrence Jackson
Coach Carroll’s Three Things:
1. Polished: “One of the most complete defensive ends we’ve seen in years”
2. Smarts: Savvy, intelligent, 4.0 student and has great leadership skills
3. Excellent edge rusher: Could play the elephant position
Defensive line coach Jethro Franklin: “Overall, he probably has more awareness, more instincts that anyone. He’s a very instinctual player. He has great feet and good size and good speed for his position.”
James Boyd
Los Angeles (Jordan) • 6-5, 230
The facts: Recorded 106 tackles on defense while going 280-for-450 for a state-best 4,266 yards and 44 TDs as quarterback in 2008; Named to numerous All-American teams; Threw for 575 yards and 8 TDs in one game in 2008
Might remind you of: Uncomparable since he's such a unique athlete
Coach Carroll’s Three Things:
1. All-around athleticism: Extraordinary quarterback and defensive lineman
2. Unique abilities: Fast and big
3. Versatility: All-City basketball player, which gives him special skills
Defensive line coach Jethro Franklin: “He’s a tremendous athlete and multitalented. He has had success doing it all. We’re really excited about him because of what he brings from an athletic standpoint at defensive end.”
Hebron Fangupo
Santa Ana (Mt. San Antonio JC) • 6-2, 330
The facts: Posted 47 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 6 sacks in 2008; Named to Super Prep JUCO 100 in 2008; Went on a Mormon mission after high school in 2004; Has two years of eligibility remaining
Might remind you of: Fili Moala
Coach Carroll’s Three Things:
1. Aggressive
2. Quick
3. Excellent penetrating ability
Defensive line coach Jethro Franklin: “He’s big, fast, explosive and quick off the ball. The best thing is that he can be a disrupter-type player, more of a penetrating-type player.”
LINEBACKER
Marquis Simmons
Compton (Dominguez HS) • 6-1, 225
The facts: Had 81 tackles and 7 sacks in 2008; Made several All-American squads in 2008; Was a three-year starting linebacker in high school; His brother, Melvin, played for the Trojans in 2002-03
Might remind you of: Kaluka Maiava
Coach Carroll’s Three Things:
1. Fast, quick and agile
2. Plays all over the field
3. Excellent on pass coverage and blitzing
Linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr.: “He comes from a long line of Simmons linebackers, a fantastic football family. He can really step in and contribute right away. He’s fast, dependable, instinctive and really enjoys the game. He plays sideline to sideline and plays real well behind the line. He’ll help us on special teams.”
Frankie Telfort
Miami (Gulliver Prep HS) • 6-0, 205
The facts: Recorded 163 tackles and 4 sacks in 2008; Named to many All-American teams in 2008; Also played running back in high school
Might remind you of: Matt Grootegoed
Coach Carroll’s Three Things:
1. Speed: 4.4 40-yard dash; “Fastest linebacker we’ve recruited”
2. Smartness: Understands the game really well
3. Great coverage ability
Linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr.: “Frankie is very explosive, very fast, instinctive and has a nose for the game. What really sticks out is that he’s really bright — he understands what’s going to happen before it happens. Guys like that are really awesome to coach.”
Jarvis Jones
Columbus, Ga. (Carver HS) • 6-3, 225
The facts: Had 77 tackles and 4 INTs in 2008; Named to several All-American teams in 2008; Also played basketball in high school and earned All-State honors in 2008
Might remind you of: Brian Cushing
Coach Carroll’s Three Things:
1. Explosiveness, quickness and agility
2. Size and strength: Has a perfect build
3. Great blitzer and tackler
Linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr.: “You’re really going to like Jarvis. He really hits hard and is a really solid player — a guy that really strikes you. He’s tough, exciting to watch and he’s a fantastic tackler. He puts his body on you and enjoys physical side of game. He’ll make you forget about Brian Cushing real quick.”
DEFENSIVE BACK
Torin Harris
Las Vegas (Palo Verde HS) • 6-1, 175
The facts: Recorded 53 tackles and 5 INTs on defense in 2008; Caught 60 passes for 660 yards with 11 receiving TDs, along with 4 rushing TDs and 3 kickoff return TDs in 2008; Named to several All-West squads
Might remind you of: Kevin Thomas
Coach Carroll’s Three Things:
1. Classic cornerback build: Tall and rangy
2. Speed
3. Versatile: Can be used on kickoff return or offense
Defensive coordinator/secondary coach Rocky Seto: “He’s a perfect corner build — 6-0, really sleek, and really fast. He ran a 10.6 as a junior in the 100, which makes him legitimately fast. We’re really excited about him, there’s a terrific chance for him to develop early.”
T.J. McDonald
Fresno (Edison HS) • 6-2, 205
The facts: Had 87 tackles and 3 INTs in 2008; Played safety, linebacker, defensive end, fullback, tight end and wideout as a senior in 2008; Made several All-American squads in 2008; His father, Tim, was a two-time All-American safety and four-year letterman at USC in 1983-86 and also played 13 years in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl with the 1994 San Francisco 49ers
Might remind you of: Kevin Ellison
Coach Carroll’s Three Things:
1. Awareness and knowledge of the game
2. Great skills in the run game: Plays close to the line of scrimmage
3. Instincts: Natural defensive player
Defensive coordinator/secondary coach Rocky Seto: “He’s big, physical, strong and highly competitive. He’s also a highly intelligent football player who’s very thorough and likes to learn about the game. He’s going to be awesome contributing and digging in right away to try and compete for playing time as fast as he can.”
Byron Moore
Carson (Narbonne HS) • 6-1, 205
The facts: Recorded 83 tackles, 4 INTs (2 were returned for a TD) and 15 deflections in 2008; Also had 61 catches for 963 yards and 8 TDs, along with 820 return yards with 4 TDs; Named to several All-American teams in 2008; Played defensive back and wide receiver in high school; Also was a sprinter for his high school track team
Might remind you of: Terrell Thomas
Coach Carroll’s Three Things:
1. Versatility: Can play safety and cornerback
2. Intangibles: Smart, savvy, great attitude and energetic
3. All-around athlete
Defensive coordinator/secondary coach Rocky Seto: “He’s very versatile, he can play corner or safety. He’s a strong, fast kid. And he loves to talk football.”
Patrick Hall
Oxnard (St. Bonaventure HS) • 6-1, 185
The facts: Had 72 tackles and 4 INTs on defense in 2008; Also played running back, gaining 784 yards on the ground and scoring 11 TDs; Made several All-American teams; His cousin, Keary Colbert, played wideout for USC in 2000-03 and ended his career as the Trojans’ No. 2 all-time receiver
Might remind you of: Josh Pinkard
Coach Carroll’s Three Things:
1. All-around player: Can play any position
2. Overall athleticism: Plays like a linebacker, covers like a cornerback, has the range of a safety
3. Excellent speed
Defensive coordinator/secondary coach Rocky Seto: “He’s athletic, very rangy and a very versatile athlete. He’s very explosive and sudden. He’s a little bit different from the mold of safeties we’ve seen come through — different than Taylor Mays and Kevin Ellison, the bigger guys. He’s a very dynamic player — he also played tailback in high school and he can do a lot of stuff.”
Jawanza Starling
Tallahassee, Fla. (Lincoln HS) • 6-1, 190
The facts: Made 50 tackles in 2008; Named to several All-American teams; Three-year starter; Also played baseball in high school; Attended same high school as current Trojan cornerback T.J. Bryant
Might remind you of: Will Harris
Coach Carroll’s Three Things:
1. All-around athlete: Will play football and baseball at USC
2. Great instincts in the run game
3. Big hitter and a playmaker: “There’s nothing he can’t do on the defensive side of the ball”
Defensive coordinator/secondary coach Rocky Seto: “He’s a very physical player and had a lot of big hits in his film. He’s perfect for what we’re looking for in a safety with his ball skills and size. He’s a really good athlete.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
Jacob HarfmanChino (Mt. San Antonio JC) • 5-11, 200
The facts: Made 20-of-26 field goals and 69-of-76 PATs in 2008; Had 27 touchbacks on kickoffs in 2008; Averaged 40.0 yards per punt in 2008; Connected on a Mt. SAC record 56-yard field goal in 2008; Named to numerous JC All-American squads; Has two years of eligibility remaining
Might remind you of: David Buehler
Coach Carroll’s Three Things:
1. Huge leg: Consistently hits touchbacks on kickoffs
2. Could be the starting kicker and punter: “He might be one of the most valuable guys in this class since he can be our starter at two positions”
3. Natural skills for kicking
Special teams coordinator Brian Schneider: “Jacob’s got a powerful and accurate leg. He can kick touchbacks regularly, which helps our defense out tremendously. He’s also a punter and field goal kicker, so he can contribute in several ways. I’m really excited about seeing him come in and compete right away.”
0 comments:
Post a Comment