FanHouse's lead-up to college football's signing day makes like Charles Dickens and looks at the Ghosts of Recruiting -- past, present and future. In the Ghosts of Recruiting Present, we document prominent recruiting makes and misses that changed programsIn the eight years since Pete Carroll arrived in Los Angeles, USC has become THE recruiting power in college football, at one point stringing together five straight consensus No. 1 recruiting classes. They've had a particular knack at pulling in carefully chosen players from outside the state of California who have gone on to big things -- names like Mike Williams, Dwayne Jarrett and Brian Cushing. But they don't get everyone, and it's who they haven't gotten that is a story in itself.
For all USC's recruiting success, there are players they very nearly landed that could have been pieces for something even greater than USC's achieved on the field so far.
Imagine USC's defense the last two years with someone like Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy? The big man loved Los Angeles, but stuck it out in the Southwest and has become the Big 12's dominant interior presence. OK so USC's defense was great without him.
So how about ... Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith? USC's one drawback of late has been its good/not great offense. Without a Reggie Bush in the backfield, line play becomes a little more critical to fielding a great offense, and there haven't been many linemen better than Smith. Again, USC came in a close second for his services before he donned a Bear Bryant inspired houndstooth hat on signing day and stayed with the in-state power.
Stafon Johnson may end up a great back still, and C.J. Gable's a vastly underrated runner, but imagine USC the last three years with Beanie Wells in its backfield. Crazy, huh? Wells gave USC a shot before sticking with the in-state Buckeyes.
And, while Louisiana native Joe McKnight has been a sometimes brilliant player, to date he's been exceeded by one Percy Harvin. Both are in that Reggie Bush mode of skilled runners/receivers/returnmen with front line speed. Harvin's choice came down to USC and Florida, with the Gators and their more innovative attack claiming his services.
Most of the college football world does not like USC, which is natural given their success. But, its still impressive to consider what could have been with another elite player or two here or there.
Be sure to check out the entire Ghosts of Recruiting series leading up to college football's national letter of intent day
Previously in Ghosts of Recruiting
Ghosts of Recruiting Past: Pac-10 Also-Rans Washington and UCLA
Ghosts of Recruiting Past: Big 12 Slumpers Colorado and Texas A&M
Ghosts of Recruiting Past: Former Masters Miami and Florida State
Ghosts of Recruiting Past: Aging, Embattled Warriors Pitt and Syracuse
Ghosts of Recruiting Past: Virginia and Michigan State Rounds Things Out
Ghosts of Recruiting Present: Steve Slaton, Maryland Terrapin?
Ghosts of Recruiting Present: Ryan Perilloux is Drama for All
Ghosts of Recruiting Present: Houston Nutt, Reality Show
Ghosts of Recruiting Present: Texas Whiffs on the Rodgers Brothers
Ghosts of Recruiting Present: Bill Callahan Really Wanted Josh Freeman
Ghosts of Recruiting Present: Tebow, Snead, McCoy Recruiting Love Triangle
Ghosts of Recruiting Present: Pat White Was Destined To Play Quarterback
