The stockpile grows every February.
It started in 2001, when new USC Coach Pete Carroll attracted defensive lineman Shaun Cody and persuaded quarterback Matt Leinart and other top high school players to keep commitments that were made before Paul Hackett was fired.
In 2002, the Trojans moved into the top 10 on the recruiting front. In 2003 and 2004, many recruiting experts ranked the Trojans' class No. 1 in the nation.
Not coincidentally, USC won consecutive national championships with major contributions from first- and second-year players.
But today, the first day that high school seniors can sign national letters of intent for fall sports, USC will find out whether the program has reached a saturation point.
According to the website Scout.com, one of several that track recruiting, USC has oral commitments from 14 players, most ranked at or near the top at their positions. But the Trojans are waiting for announcements from others that will determine whether USC achieves a recruiting three-peat.
"This staff must love to live dangerously," said Allen Wallace, national recruiting editor for Scout.com and publisher of SuperPrep magazine. "They are willing to gamble.... They seem to have no fear of late rejections.
"It's how they seem to play as a team under Carroll. They don't get shaken or nervous."
USC has reason for confidence.
Quarterback Mark Sanchez of Mission Viejo, linebacker Rey Maualuga of Eureka, Calif., and receiver Patrick Turner of Madison, Tenn., are among those who have committed to the Trojans.
Receiver DeSean Jackson of Long Beach Poly, linebacker Luthur Brown of Lakewood and defensive back Cary Harris of Sherman Oaks Notre Dame are among local players expected to announce their decisions today. Safety Reggie Smith of Edmond, Okla., and linebacker Brian Cushing of Oradell, N.J., are among the out-of-state prospects targeted by the Trojans.
"We think it's been going real well, but it's all about how we close," said Lane Kiffin, USC receivers coach. "There are a lot of big fish still out there."
Kiffin, 29, has been the point man in the recruitment of several high-profile out-of-state players during the last three years, including receivers Mike Williams (from Florida) and Dwayne Jarrett (from New Jersey). Kiffin has taken on added responsibilities since recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron left after the Orange Bowl to become coach at Mississippi.
