Depending on what happens to and with the USC football program in 2013, '14, '15, '16, or even '17, Lane Kiffin may look back on July 11, 2012 and be extremely thankful for the day's events.
Eastern Christian Academy (Maryland) OL Khaliel Rodgers, St. John Bosco OL Nico Falah and Placer DE Eddie Vanderdoes all announced their pledges to USC. Verbal commitments are non-binding and nothing can be made official until players are allowed to sign their National Letters of Intent on Feb. 6, 2013.
The day started rather modestly with a commitment from Rodgers, a three-star center, according to Scout.com. Rodgers is a teammate of another 2013 USC commit, Kenny Bigelow and 2015 commit, quarterback David Sills, who committed to Lane Kiffin and the Trojans as a seventh grader.
Falah, a four-star offensive tackle, according to Scout, selected the Trojans over UCLA. Many UCLA fans thought they had a leg up on Falah over crosstown rival USC because Falah's dad is a UCLA alum.
All in all, it was thought to be a good day for the Trojans on the recruiting front. They beefed up the offensive line with two national recruits, but they weren't done yet.
Just before 10:30 p.m., the Sacramento Bee reported Vanderdoes was committing to the Trojans as well. The 6-foot-3, 305-pound defensive tackle says he chose the Trojans over LSU and is the sixth five-star recruit to commit to the Trojans for 2013 according to Scout.com.
"I know it's not officially over until I sign, but it's USC for me. It's done," Vanderdoes told the Bee. "It's a life decision. It's not just a four-year decision. It's huge, crucial, and it's great. USC is setting me up for the rest of my career and life."
Wednesday's developments give USC 14 commits for the 2013 class. They have four spots remaining in the class.
