USC football: Specter of possible NCAA sanctions does not slow down recruiting

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USC administrators and fans are anxiously awaiting the NCAA’s report regarding an investigation into the Trojans athletic program.

Meantime, the specter of possible NCAA sanctions does not seem to be affecting recruiting.

USC recently received verbal commitments from Santa Ana Mater Dei High receiver Victor Blackwell and Crenshaw running back defensive back De’Anthony Thomas. Mater Dei quarterback Max Wittek, Woodland Hills Taft defensive lineman Antwaun Woods and Jalen Grimble, a defensive lineman from Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, also have committed to the Trojans, according to several recruiting websites.

NCAA rules prohibit coaches from commenting about recruits until schools have received signed letters of intent. Speaking generally, USC Coach Lane Kiffin said the forthcoming NCAA decision continues to be a hot topic for schools competing against the Trojans on the recruiting front.

‘It’s still out there and being brought to the attention of our recruits very often by a few schools,’ Kiffin said. ‘But I think anyone who’s following recruiting would say SC is doing just fine.’

--Gary Klein
twitter.com/latimesklein