Lewis Caps Banner Day

Pete Carroll’s voice echoed throughout Heritage Hall at about 2 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon as he excitedly addressed an athletic department official at the opposite side of the building.

“They’re all coming,” Carroll yelled. “They’re all coming. This is sweet. Sweet.”

Carroll and his USC football staff were ecstatic as national letters of intent rolled in from 23 players that helped the resurgent Trojans secure one of the nation’s top recruiting classes. USC signed 22 high school players and one junior college player -- all but two of whom are from California.

Previously uncommitted Whitney Lewis, an All-American wide receiver from Ventura St. Bonaventure High, capped what was already regarded as a premiere class when he chose the Trojans over Florida State.

“It’s the culmination of such a long process,” Carroll said. “For some of these guys, we’ve been watching them since they were sophomores. To finally get to the point where they have signed and are coming, it’s a big event.

“We work really hard and compete our butt off to get to this point. And when you win, you win. And this was a big win today.”

USC signed seven defensive linemen, five offensive linemen, three running backs, three linebackers, three defensive backs and two receivers in a class that features 17 prep All-Americans.

Defensive linemen Chris Barrett (Tustin High), Lawrence Jackson (Inglewood) and Sedrick Ellis (Chino), and offensive linemen Sam Baker (Tustin) and Drew Radovich (Mission Viejo) are among a dozen linemen that Carroll said will bolster depth and push for playing time.

Running backs Reggie Bush (La Mesa Helix), Chauncey Washington (South Torrance) and LenDale White (Chatfield High in Littleton, Colo.) join a program that has only one returning tailback in sophomore-to-be Hershel Dennis.

Lewis and Steve Smith (Woodland Hills Taft), are expected to fill the void left by Kareem Kelly, the Trojans’ all-time receptions leader.

USC had received commitments from all of the players who signed Wednesday with the exception of the 6-foot-1, 220-pound Lewis, who reportedly wanted to follow former St. Bonaventure standout Lorenzo Booker to Florida State. Lewis’ mother wanted him to attend USC.

Ed Orgeron, USC’s recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach, said he was in contact with Lewis and his family Tuesday night. Orgeron said Lewis called him on his cell phone, “at 10:49,” on Wednesday morning to let him know he was signing with USC.

Lewis has not received a qualifying score on the Scholastic Assessment Test. He is awaiting results from an exam he took last week.

Carroll called Lewis’ signing, “enormous,” but added, “this is not a class to talk about any one guy because from top to bottom and front to back this is a tremendous group.”

The Trojans, who must replace Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer, did not sign a quarterback.

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Will Poole, a defensive back from Ventura College, is expected to sign a letter of intent today.... Safety Darnell Bing, who signed with USC last year but did not attend classes in the fall while awaiting SAT results, and defensive backs Brandon and Ryan Ting are already enrolled in school and will participate in spring practice.... Running back/linebacker Jody Adewale (Roosevelt) and running back/linebacker Salo Faraimo (Vista) made commitments to USC but were asked to delay their enrollment until next year.