It’s not exactly unusual that USC has a target on its back in the Pac-12.
But two Pac-12 assistants have recently called me for different reasons: One to say he thinks USC is very beatable and the other to tell me he thinks his school can make recruiting inroads against USC.
This reflects a current feeling that the program is still in a weak spot under Clay Helton. Assistant coach Donte Williams has pulled in quite a few recruits but the fact is USC is still not competing with the Alabamas and Clemsons in recruiting.
Also, the zealous focus on Texas prospects has made other schools feel there is an opening in Southern California.
“I really think we can get some kids that might have gone to USC 10-12 years ago,” the assistant coach said. “Other schools in the Pac-12 feel like Southern California is a more receptive area now too.”
Time will tell. But the bottom line is right now there is a perception problem with USC, whether it is valid or not.
Sad
The issue with comments like that is USC is still located in the most fertile recruiting ground in the West Coast with everyone else except UCLA on the outside looking in.