A great weekend for the USC program cemented just how amazing the Trojans' 2003 recruiting class was. Sedrick Ellis, Sam Baker and Lawrence Jackson are the three latest members of USC's 2003 class, which I think should go down as the best recruiting class in modern college football history (i.e. when teams couldn't sign as many recruits as they want), to be drafted in the first round, joining Reggie Bush from two years ago. As of now, the Trojans have an astounding nine first-day draft picks from that class: Baker, Bush, Ellis, Jackson, Ryan Kalil, Steve Smith, Terrell Thomas, LenDale White and Eric Wright. (There also could be a 10th coming in 2009 when DT Fili Moala comes through.) Other USC '03s that have been drafted are John David Booty, Will Poole, Chauncey Washington and Thomas Williams.
You may watch this little Friday night walk-through tradition, and wonder how USC ever wins any games at all. But O-Line coach Pat Ruel does have 34 years of experience in both college and the NFL, and has molded such talents as Sam Baker and Ryan Kalil, so he must be doing something right. And with a bunch of hefty o-liners added in this month's recruiting class, this power-walking tradition is only going to get fatter.
ESPN.com's Bruce Feldman is doing a book signing for his look at college football recruiting, Meat Market, at the USC Bookstore Saturday before the Oregon State game. The book's main focus and character is former USC assistant head coach/defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron, now in his third tough season at the University of Mississippi. Feldman presents... more »
Mark Saxon, OC Register After three years with All-American Ryan Kalil, USC got used to a fast, intelligent, but occasionally undersized man in the middle of its offensive line. Now, it’s got an entirely different kind of center. Freshman Kristofer O’Dowd has manhandled opposing defenders through the first two games. Against Nebraska, he cleared what seemed like acres of room... more »
Charles Krupa/The Associated Press. As part of rookie hazing, the Patriots' Zach West, left, and Oscar Lua had their hair buzzed by veterans...
The game is bigger, faster and harder. With a whole new team and a whole new play-book, the incoming Trojan rookies are showing their youth when it comes to the NFL learning curve.
Inside: A player by player look at the Trojan rookies in the NFL.
From Wednesday's ESPN.com article,Washington Redskins: LB Dallas Sartz (strained hamstring) was sidelined morning Wednesday...Seattle Seahawks: Backup fullback David Kirtman broke his hand during practice Wednesday morning...Kirtman, a fifth-round draft choice from 2006 out of Southern California, was participating in a running plays drill with backs and linemen when he suddenly walked off the field with a trainer while holding... more »
LQ Singian, WeAreSC In this latest installment of our Exit Interview series, WeAreSC sits down with Ryan Kalil to discuss his Trojan career, his recent engagement, the prospects of his younger brother playing at USC and the role Keary Colbert has played in welcoming him to the Carolina Panthers. Click below to read more on this 2006 Trojan captain…... more »
Images from dwaynejarrettonline.com & Athlonsports.com
The Carolina Panthers drafted a deadly duo from USC. In a Fox Sports article entitled "Ready Rookies" writer Randy Hill makes a case that if started, receiver Jarret and Center Kalil will immediately improve the Panther's offense.
The Panthers strike twice with potential steals out of USC in the second round.
Although stopwatch speed was his draft-day downfall, Jarrett is quicker than the guy he's replacing (Keyshawn Johnson). His hands and size should help the Panthers rise from 19th overall in red-zone efficiency.
Kalil should step in as the starter for an offensive line that helped create a measly seven rushing touchdowns last season.
A new teammate with an old name: Jarret will try for another one-two punch with Veteran receiver Steve Smith (10th receiving in the NFL overall last season). Ryan Kalil should boost the Panther's ground game, as they last ranked 24th in the franchise at rushing yards per game.
The 2008 hype has begun months before the first kickoff of 2007. The good folks at Rivals.com have been hard at work scrutinizing the high school ponds, selecting what they believe are the best college football recruits in the country. Rivals recruiting editor Jeremy Crabtree has just announced the five-star players ranking from No. 20 through No.14. We at TrojanWire are pleased to announce the addition of two five-star recruits to the '08 Trojan roster: D.J. Shoemate (#17) and Matt Kalil (#16). Both Shoemate and Kalil made such an impression, they were the only two sophomores to ever earn a scholarship from coach Pete Carroll. Matt's brother, Ryan Kalil, played center at USC and was drafted last month in the second round along with receiver Jarrett to the Carolina Panthers. Four other five-star prospects in the Rivals No.20-14 have listed USC as one of their top choices.
<!--start image--><!-- end image-->With so many starters returning, the Trojans won't have to rely heavily on the incoming freshmen to make significant contributions. However, with 3-year starter Ryan Kalil now in the NFL, the center spot will be up for grabs this fall. Kristofer O'Dowd arrives on campus in June with plans to push the veterans and challenge for... more »
Panthers: I think Jon Beason will be solid, although the big headliners were WR Dwayne Jarrett and center Ryan Kalil, who will probably play in the Pro Bowl within their first four seasons. I also like LB Tim Shaw as a second-day steal. He is a great athlete who was very unselfish at Penn State.
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