LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California’s first recruiting class under NCAA scholarship restrictions was even smaller than it had to be.
That’s because coach Lane Kiffin saved a few of his available scholarships until next year by signing just 12 players Wednesday.
Kiffin still landed another standout recruiting class for the Trojans, who are limited to just 15 new scholarships per year and just 75 total scholarship players for the next three seasons. Even with just 12 players in it, the recruiting class landed near the top of some national rankings.
With quarterback Matt Barkley leading a powerful team back for next season, USC elected to save three of its scholarships for the 2013 class or midyear enrollees in December.
Kiffin stockpiled talent last year in anticipation of the sanctions, bringing in 30 players.
