"The visit to USC yesterday was probably the biggest reason I committed," Meyer said. "I saw how nice the campus is. It's almost like an Ivy League school with the big brick buildings. But I also got to meet up with the business department and I just love how the conduct everything there. Everyone is so enthusiastic about their job. Even those with smaller jobs love being there and love being around everyone.

"They showed me anything I wanted to see and answered any question I had. I was the only one visiting yesterday and they took a lot of time to make sure I knew everything about the school, the tutoring and made sure I was comfortable with the school. It can be tough on a student-athlete with playing a sport and going to school, and I'm comfortable that USC provides all the help necessary to ensure I'll do well in the classroom.

"The main thing at USC was they had two offensive linemen who were all-Americans last year, with Ryan Kalil and Sam Baker. And Sam Baker is also returning. Putting all that aside, USC football speaks for itself. I mean, they haven't lost at home in over five years and they've had a couple of national championships--and they're always in the top-25."

Sam Anno, the USC graduate assistant coach in charge of special teams, eventually contacted Chris Rubio, who serves as the long snapping coach for the Chris Sailer Kicking Camps, and said that the Trojans were interested in bringing Nolan in as a preferred walk-on. Nolan, who was one of only 11 snappers to earn a 5.0 ranking at the Sailer camps, said it didn't take long for him to make up his mind once he heard the news.

"I've always been a Trojan fan, it's my dream," he said. "I called Coach Anno earlier this week, on Tuesday, and he explained to me everything that the preferred walk-on status entailed. Basically it means that I'm guaranteed a spot on the team and don't have to go through a walk-on try out. I called him back on Wednesday and committed. I've just been an SC fan for a long time now. It's been a family thing growing up."

There is another family connection to the Trojans as well. Nolan's sister, Amy, is the longtime girlfriend of former Trojan punter Tom Malone, who is playing this year for NFL Europe while under contract with the New England Patriots. In fact, it was Malone who encouraged Nolan to give long snapping a try.

"I've always wanted to play for USC," said Polk, who committed to Trojans coach Pete Carroll during the USC-Cal basketball game. "I've always admired USC ... I wanted to get the recruiting process over with.