National Recruiting Blotter: USC Commit Ty Isaac The Next Great Trojan Back?

I covered Ty Isaac at a recruit camp in August 2010, where the Joliet, Ill. product worked out at wide receiver. He had prototype possession receiver size and reliable hands, so the attention he was already gaining from such suitors as Notre Dame came as no surprise.

I was less surprised seeing his name surface on every top 100 recruiting list for the Class of 2013. I was surprised that this big wideout who looked to be an inch and two whey protein scoops shy of being a top level tight end was among the nation’s most coveted running backs.

USC is getting a uniquely skilled player in Isaac, who verbally committed to Lane Kiffin and staff on Tuesday. Per The Chicago Sun-Times, Issac said: “[USC]’s a great education. And it’s Tailback U.”

Indeed, the list of superstars to emerge from Trojan backfields is long: Reggie Bush, O.J. Simpson and Marcus Allen are among the Heisman Trophy winners to start at running back for USC.

Putting unrealistic expectations on the college career of kid who is still in high school is a trap recruiting followers should avoid. That said, Isaac has a diverse enough skill set to become a multifaceted weapon a la Bush, while also possessing size comparable to LenDale White.

Since that tandem wreaked havoc in 2005, USC has consumed a steady diet of highly touted running back recruits. None have met the lofty expectations that come with carrying the ball for Tailback U., for a variety of reasons. Curtis McNeal’s emergence late in 2011 was critical to the Trojans’ strong finish, and he will play a vital role in their 2012 push. But he is an undeniable supporting player to Matt Barkley and the stacked receiving corps.

Isaac won’t suit up until 2013 at the earliest, but he has the qualities to be that next star Trojan back. And if that doesn’t work out, surely Kiffin will find a place for him as the next great Trojan receiver or tight end.