Kiffin inks three more mid-year recruits

In 2010, USC spent the season with a depleted roster, well below the allotted number of scholarship players, but Tuesday, coach Lane Kiffin took a step toward filling the depth chart, signing three players who will enroll in the spring. Offensive lineman Jeremy Galten (San Mateo, Calif.), linebacker Dallas Kelley (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) and long snapper Peter McBride (Paradise Valley, Ariz.) will count against the 2010 recruiting class and leave more available scholarships for the 2011 class.

The three commits address serious needs for the Trojans, as Kiffin has admitted that he does not know how his team would line up at linebacker with starters Malcom Smith and Michael Morgan graduating. Dallas Kelley, who led Chaffey Junior College in tackling and was subsequently named to the All-Central West Conference first team, is expected to  compete for a starting spot immediately.

Additionally, Kiffin beefed up the depth on the offensive line. With offensive tackle Tyron Smith leaving early for the NFL and center Kristofer O’Dowd graduating, Jeremy Galten, a two-time All-NorCal Conference first team pick, will likely compete with Michael Reardon for the job of protecting Matt Barkley.

To date, nine players have signed letters of intent to enroll at USC in the spring.