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USC Lands Big Running Back From Mission Viejo

Posted by Bryan Fischer

(CBSSports.com) -- USC hasn't had to worry about their normally loaded backfield in some time but with some depth chart concerns, the school has put out offers to several running backs in the class of 2012.

Photo Gallery: Local 2012 Recruits Committed To FBS Schools

The Trojans alleviated some cause for concern by grabbing their second tailback in the upcoming class when Mission Viejo (Calif.) back Jaheel Pinner committed on Friday.

"Yup, I committed to USC after I talked it over with my family," Pinner told USCFootball.com. "I like the SC campus, and it's close to home. I like that USC recruits the best and I can compete against the best."

The Trojans were the first one to offer Pinner but he was receiving interest from several other programs such as Arizona and Arizona State. At 6-foot-1, 230-pounds, he will likely play a little fullback for USC as well.

 "USC actually uses their fullbacks real well," he told the site. "I think it'd be a real good fit for me to play both because I'd come out of the backfield and do a little bit of single back by myself.

I could line up in the slot sometimes and I can do all of those things, so it would be a good fit for me." Pinner joins another big tailback, 5-foot-11, 225-pound Kelvin York, in USC's 2012 class.

 Although USC is facing scholarship limits (how many is still up in the air due to the school's ongoing NCAA appeal), the Trojan coaching staff has hit the recruiting trail hard and now has seven early commitments total.

Pinner rushed for 1,007 yards and 12 touchdowns and also caught two scores. He plays for Orange Country powerhouse Mission Viejo High, which has sent several players a few miles north to USC in the past.

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