Ho Hum...USC is #1. Folks, get used to it. Every February the Trojans haul in a top (if not the best) recruiting class. Last year set recruiting records. Obviously, QB Matt Leinart is the sure fire offensive star, but we are waiting out his NFL decision. Sophomore John David Booty is his likely replacement should Leinart leave. Booty hails from Shreveport, LA where he lead Evangel Christian Academy to the Class 5A state title while throwing for 4,144 yards and 38 TDs. Regardless of who plays QB, the running game should be the best Los Angeles has seen since the 1970's. White, Bush and Dennis seem like they have been on the depth chart forever, and the first two are still just juniors. Unlike the start of 2004 and the Mike Williams saga, the receivers will hit the spring with much more experience and depth. In fact, every receiver will return to the lineup. Combine the whole skill package offensively with this OL and you have the makings of a No. 1 team. 2004 Preseason All-American OT Winston Justice was suspended for this year, but the word is that he is likely to be sporting a Trojan uniform in 2005. The defense may not be quite as experienced to start August as it was the previous summer, but talent abounds across the board. Butkus candidate Matt Grootegoed departs at LB, but keep an eye on sophomore Keith Rivers out of Lake Mary, FL who finished as the 2003 Florida High School Gatorade Player Of The Year. Mentioned above is the fact that All-American's Shaun Cody and Mike Patterson are headed to play on Sundays. In their place will be yet another reload in the form of DT Manuel Wright. Even if Leinart leaves, the feeling is that someone has to knock this King off the mountain…whether it be the conclusion of this year or next. Given this coaching staff and abundance of talent, USC is the logical and right choice to start the season at the top once again.