Zach Banner, a 6-foot-8, 305-pound offensive tackle from Washington, announced Monday that he would attend college at USC.
Banner, a senior at Lakes High School in Lakewood, Wash., chose USC over Oklahoma and Washington. He is expected to sign with the Trojans on Wednesday, the first day that high school players can sign national letters of intent.
Because of NCAA sanctions, USC can bring in only 15 players -- 10 below the maximum. That restriction will be in place for each of the next three years. The Trojans also can have only 75 scholarship players on the roster during those years.
The Trojans also have received verbal commitments from offensive linemen Max Tuerk of Santa Margarita High and Jordan Simmons of Encino Crespi, receiver Darreus Rogers (Carson), linebacker Jabari Ruffin (Downey), tight end Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick (Rocklin Whitney), defensive lineman Pio Vatuvei (Patterson), fullback Jahleel Pinner (Mission Viejo) and athlete Kevon Seymour (Pasadena Muir).
USC also had players enroll in January, but they can count as part of the class of 2011. Linebacker Scott Starr and offensive lineman Chad Wheeler graduated early from Norco and Santa Monica Highs, respectively. Safety Gerald Bowman transferred from Los Angeles Pierce College, defensive lineman Morgan Breslin from Diablo Valley College. Defensive lineman Devante Wilson from Corona signed in 2011 but was injured and did not attend USC last year.
The Trojans also added safety Josh Shaw, a transfer from Florida who will be eligible in 2013.
--Gary Klein
