The news swirling around the University of Southern California Trojan nation and across the country is whether or not Penn State Nittany Lion running back Silas Redd will transfer to the Los Angeles campus.
But maybe lost in the hubbub is the fact that this past weekend, the Trojans filled out their last spots for the 2013 recruiting class with verbal commitments from Jason Hatcher and Torrodney Prevot. Both play on the defensive side of the ball.
Kentucky end
On Friday evening, in front of several dozen family members and fans plus media, 6'2" 240 pound defensive end Jason Hatcher from Louisville, Kentucky, gave his verbal commitment, becoming USC's 17th commit for the 2013 class. His final choices were Louisville, Tennessee and the Trojans - Florida was also on his list but fell off recently. He originally was to make his decision at the end of his senior season but wanted it out of the way, plus his mother was pressing him (source - ESPN).
Hatcher plays for Trinity High School Shamrocks near Louisville, which is an all-boys catholic school and defending state champions. Hatcher is quick and although he may not have the size most big-time ends have, the Trojans like to have a faster end who can play a mixture of linebacker or end like Devon Kennard - who should be noted was recently lost for the season (see related articles).
The reasons Hatcher made the move west were many when he said: "It didn't come down to one thing. It was a multitude of things. It was the private school education. It was the players I already knew there. It was the fact that they have senior defensive ends and that I have a chance to play early." (Source - CBS Sports)
Interestingly enough, the fact that the Louisville Cardinals play in the Big East which will lose big bowl affiliation year after next, played a role in his decision to leave for USC. Said Hatcher: "The Big East that was kind of a small concern, being that after the next couple of years they might not even be a BCS contender."
Houston athlete
The other oral commitment to the men of Troy came Saturday afternoon from 6'3" 201 pound Torrodney Prevot. He's from Taylor High School Lions near Houston, Texas. Other schools who were in the running for Prevot included California, LSU, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Texas A&M.
"I just feel like USC is perfect for me," said Prevot (source - Shreveport Times). "It's a great education, the football team has a great background and it's a school the sets me up for life after football. The weather is beautiful, there is playing time available and it's just a wonderful school."
Prevot is very athletic and may end up playing at the same position as Hatcher. This 18th and final verbal commitment for the 2013 recruiting class at USC is their limit what with NCAA sanctions.
The 2013 class may be only 18 strong but they're currently #1 in the nation (see related articles) and could become one of if not the greatest recruiting classes in USC Trojan history. Time will tell.
Sources - Rivals.com, University of Southern California
Related articles:
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Electric Football Inventor Passes Away but His Game Will Last for Ages
Top Prospect Chooses USC - Makes Trojans #1 Recruiting Class
Daryle lived in Los Angeles Ca. most of his life and has been a longtime fan of USC and the Pac-12, having closely followed the Trojans since he was just a youngster. Fight On!
