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Getting a head start

There is a lot of uncertainty for the USC Trojans as they head into signing day, but one thing that is certain is the quality of new enrollees already in school for the spring semester.

The seven early enrollees at USC make up one of the best groups ever to arrive for the spring semester. Each of the early enrollees will have the ability to compete in spring ball for early playing time and will also have the extended opportunity to get adjusted to college life before the season begins. It wasn't too long ago that it was rare for a high school senior to bypass his final semester in order to begin college early, but it has become much more common and the Trojans used it to their benefit for this class.

There is the quarterback -- Max Browne -- who was the Gatorade National Player of the Year and the No. 2-ranked pocket passer in the ESPN 150. USC is looking to replace four-year starter Matt Barkley. There are two more experienced quarterbacks ahead of him on the depth chart, but Browne only needs to look at Barkley's career to see that it's possible for a true freshman to come in early and be starting by the season opener.