USC Recruiting News - The Rivals 100

If you're a big fan of recruiting (like me), then today was like Christmas.

Today marked the day when Rivals.com revealed their "Rivals 100", which lists the top high school prospects in the nation. Out of the various scouting sites the internet offers, Rivals.com trumps them all. Just my opinion.

It's no surprise that a few prospects that are either committed to USC or are on USC's radar are on the list. USC has been on top or near the top in Rivals' Team Rankings since 2003:

• 2003 - No. 3
  
• 2004 - No. 1
  
• 2005 - No. 1
  
• 2006 - No. 1
  
• 2007 - No. 2
  
• 2008 - No. 8
  
• 2009 - No. 4
  
• 2010 - No. 1

As you can see, Pete Carroll and company has done a fine job recruiting local and out of state kids to play football for the Trojans. I expect Lane Kiffin to do follow Pete's footsteps in bringing us the best college-prep stars as well, he had a great start with this year's class.

Having a great class doesn't always translate to having a great football season (just ask Notre Dame), but it does bring a positive note to USC, in that prospects want to go to USC because they want to be the best of best. Carroll was brilliant in sending that message to the prospects, and Lane isn't bad either. He and coach Ed Orgeron reeled in a top 10 class last year for Tennessee.

Speaking of Orgeron, if there's one thing to know about him, it is that he's a tireless recruiter and one of the best in the business. I can't stress that enough.

Back to the 100, the states that produced the most prospects are Florida (20), Texas (12), and California (10). From the six prospects that are committed to USC, only two are in the top 100. Keep in mind that this is only the initial list. The list will change over time because scouts still have to attend camps that schools host for more evaluation, plus the fact that juniors still have one more football season to play.

Let's look at the USC commits who made it The Rivals 100...

De'Anthony Thomas No.5

Position:Runningback From: Los Angeles, California Measurables5-9/160/4.3 Rankings: Rivals:#1 RB Signed LOI?: NO Notes: Can you name any other explosive prospect? De'Anthony Thomas' ability to play extremely well in both offense and defense makes him that much more special. On offense, he plays as a tailback with home run threat. Thomas is able to use that fifth gear that blows the defense away. On defense, Thomas displays athleticism and speed on the cornerback position to trouble the opposing offense. Nicknamed the "Black Mamba", he will leave his mark on opposing offenses for years to come.

Tre Madden No.69
	Position:Weakside Linebacker From: Mission Viejo, California Measurables6-1/215 Rankings: Rivals: Signed LOI?: NO Notes: Madden was considered to be the best linebacker of Orange County for the 2009 football season even as a junior. The linebacker from Mission Viejo racked up 113 tackles including three sacks for his team in 2009, earning him All-CIF honors and other awards.

Yes, USC only has two committed prospects that rank in the top 100, but the rest will surely be in the top 250, which Rivals.com will release tomorrow. Those prospects are: QB Max Wittek, DE Jalen Grimble, DT Antwaun Woods, and WR Victor Blackwell. Look for those prospects to show up early in that list.

Don't be alarmed. Signing day is still several months away and the recruiting season will be long. People are already making a fuss about the possible sanctions that will sweep away our prospects, but as the cliché goes, USC is still USC. Expect another top recruiting class by the Trojans come February.