Winning also appealed to Sanchez, who played for an undefeated Southern Section champion that was the top-ranked high school team in the state.
Last month, after Leinart announced he was staying for his final season of eligibility, Sanchez said he was happy about Leinart's decision and looked forward to learning from the Heisman Trophy winner as the Trojans pursued a third consecutive title.
On the same day that Leinart said he was coming back, middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu announced he was leaving for the NFL draft. Up until that time, Maualuga was leaning toward Oregon because of the proximity to his family's home and the opportunity for playing time.
But when Tatupu announced he was leaving, Maualuga chose USC. "Now that Lofa is gone, it opens an opportunity for me to step in and contribute," he told The Times after an all-star game in Texas. "That's what I want as a freshman."
USC is hoping that players announcing today follow Sanchez's and Maualuga's lead.
If they do, Wallace and Biggins said the Trojans could again finish at or near the top -- even without a running back.
Chauncey Washington, a top running back recruit two years ago, was a redshirt as a sophomore and is expected to play next season.
"If they get everybody they're in on, I would probably conservatively say [USC has] a top-three class," Biggins said.
Times staff writer Martin Henderson contributed to this report.
