What is the greatest USC football recruiting class of all-time?

USC football’s No. 9 recruiting class: 2011

Grade: 6/10 Class Ranking: 3rd nationally | 1st in Pac-12 Class Composition:

1 ★★★★★ 14 ★★★★ 11 ★★★ 3 ★★

Looking to load up before scholarship reductions kicked in, Lane Kiffin brought in a massive 2011 class that panned out reasonably well.

Exceeded expectations:

Following in Robert Woods’ footsteps was no easy task, but four-star receiver Marqise Lee rose to the occasion, setting USC records and winning the Biletnikoff Award.

Four-star quarterback Cody Kessler was the less heralded of two QB commits in the class, but he became a three-year starter and now sits among the most prolific Trojan passers ever.

Javorius Allen ultimately paid off his four-star billing as a 1,000-yard rusher and All-Pac-12 first-team selection in 2014.

Four-star defenders Antwaun Woods and Anthony Sarao also became long-term starters, each with more than 30 career starts to their name. Woods was also an All-Pac-12 first-teamer.

The Trojans saw great production from three-star players like center Marcus Martin and hybrid defensive end J.R. Tavai. The former was named to the All-Pac-12 first team as a center while the latter led USC in sacks in 2014.

Scholarships for special teamers Andre Heidari and Kris Albarado also worked out. Heidari kicked three of the nine longest field goals in USC history, was named a first-team All-Pac-12 kicker and booted game-winning kicks against Stanford twice. Albarado was a stable three-year starter.

Contributors:

Lamar Dawson never lived up to the No. 55 on his jersey, but for a four-star recruit his 21 career starts weren’t too shabby.

Four-stars Aundrey Walker and Greg Townsend each held down places in the starting line up on the offensive and defensive lines for USC.

Tre Madden has the distinction of being the first Trojan running back to gain 100 yards in three consecutive games to start the season since Marcus Allen. Unfortunately, injuries got in the way of adding more honors to his name.

Disappointments:

George Farmer arrived at USC with great expectations thanks to his exceptional speed. However, the five-star receiver never hit his stride with the Trojans, dealing with injuries and lack of playing time.

A trio of four-star recruits left USC as transfers including running back Amir Carlisle, quarterback Max Wittek and defensive lineman Christian Heyward.

Four-star enter Cyrus Hobbi was thrown into action early but it was a disaster from which he never recovered, leaving the team as a medical retiree before returning as a walk-on tight end.

Two more four-stars saw their Trojan careers ended by legal trouble. Tight end Junior Pomee was kicked off the team after an arrest in 2013. In 2014, Victor Blackwell left the team over an issue with playing time and was arrested after his dismissal for domestic violence.