Trouble in Paradise?

The USC Trojans have dominated the recruiting world for nearly half of a decade. Is their grasp slipping?

Recently, East Valley all-purpose standout Chris Polk (Redlands, CA) switched to Washington this week. A Washington program that is flying high on the recruiting trail right now with names like Kavario Middleton and Jermaine Kearse as well as national record setting wide receiver Cody Bruns.

Although USC is not at a loss for superior game-breakers, losing Polk will hurt. It obviously means much more to a very unpopular Ty Willingham than Petey The Poodle but it still stings to lose a top target to a conference foe.

To compound that, stellar do-it-all athlete from Little Rock (Ark.) Joe Adams has stated that he loves the Bobby Petrino hire and is very interested in Arkansas. This would again be much more important to Arky than USC. Arkansas is a state that USC has done very well in with Mitch Mustain, Damien Williams, Broderick Green and now Adams. Keep an eye on Adams who is still technically committed to USC

So, is USC's grasp on recruiting slipping?

The answer is a resounding NO.

Pete Carroll is on the verge of stealing the hard working Derrick Coleman, a big running back from Fullerton, CA, away from crosstown rival UCLA. Top linebacker prospect Arthur Brown is set to announce in a week or so and USC got the last visit. I personally believe its down to Miami and USC. Brown wants to be in a big city. My money is on USC.

Also, if UCLA does not make a coaching hire soon, expecially if that hire does not involve Dwayne Walker, UCLA will lose a large number of their top recruits. Aundre Dean, E.J. Woods, Coleman and others have stated that they would leave if Walker is not some sort of hold over. Petey will be waiting with open arms.

Wait there is more. The Rivals100 has already been released for 2009 and there are eight kids committed nationally. USC has FOUR of them. USC landed #96 prospect T.J. McDonald a week ago to go along with Randall Carroll (#65-WR), Morrell Presley (#78-TE) and Kevin Graf (#88-OL).

I think USC is doing just fine.