USC Kids Not Kidding Around

USC’s freshman football class, called the Trojans’ best in a decade by some, has sent three of its members to the head of the class in training camp.

They are guard Travis Claridge, middle linebacker Chris Claiborne and wide receiver R. Jay Soward.

Coach John Robinson says they appear to be ready to make “significant contributions” this season, and all three will play Sunday against Penn State. Robinson won’t identify starters yet, but many expect Claridge, from Fort Vancouver, Wash., to start at right guard.

“We knew he was a big-time player when we recruited him, but he’s better than we thought,” Robinson said.

Claiborne, from North High in Riverside, has shown exceptional speed on the kickoff team.

He’s battling middle linebacker starter Taso Papadakis.

Said Papadakis: “Chris is fast, tough and smart. I’m really impressed with his athleticism.”

Soward played for a run-oriented team at Fontana High, but he has been a big hit in camp with his speed and his leaping, fingertip catches.

Returnee Billy Miller had been considered Keyshawn Johnson’s heir apparent, but those who have seen Soward aren’t so sure. Soward will also return kicks.

The magazine Athlon Sports’ college football preview ranked USC’s recruits on its national top-100 list this way:

Claridge, third; wide receiver Stan Guyness, 35th; Claiborne, 40th; quarterback Mike Van Raaphorst, 57th; running back Ted Iacenda, 76th; defensive tackle Ennis Davis, 83rd, and Soward, 90th.

Robinson hoped to get significant help from Iacenda, center Eric Denmon and wide receiver Troy Garner, but all are slowed because of injuries. Denmon loomed as a possible starter early in camp but has an injured hamstring. Van Raaphorst has been sharp but, with four returnees ahead of him, probably will be redshirted.