Target 2008: T.J. Bryant

Here is the first installment of our series, Target 2008, which profiles USC recruiting targets for 2008. We kick it off with T.J. Bryant, a 6'1" corner from Tallahassee, FL. A relatively good sized defensive back with 4.4 forty time is exactly what Pete Carroll has been looking for. Bryant doesn't shy away from contact by any means, but more importantly has shown the athleticism to be a lock-down corner in college football. Its no secret that Pete Carroll covets cornerbacks, or defensive players for that matter, from the South. While the SEC dominates the recruiting landscape in the South, Pete Carroll has shown the nation that he will not only bone your wife and kick you in the nuts, but take the best players as well (see Keith Rivers, ROJO, Joe McKnight, Everson Griffen, and Mike Williams). This is critical since T.J. Bryant is in Florida, Florida State, and Miami's neck of the woods. According to Rivals.com, Bryant has the entire SEC on his list, but USC is one that he is very much looking forward to visiting. My guess is that PC rolls out the red carpet.

While USC is stacked at the skill positions, such as quarterback and running back, this 2008 class is one where the USC staff seems to be targeting defensive backs, offensive linemen, and athletes who are versatile. While the state of Florida has loads of talent, USC will be hunting them down one by one, and no doubt T.J. Bryant is one who Carroll not only wants to have, but needs to have. USC is already close to stealing defensive back Patrick Johnson, a Miami commit, who is now a bit shaky in his commitment to the Canes. Elite defensive backs are rare and getting Bryant to commit is the first step to keeping our defense one of the best in the country.