Lamar Dawson, the third ranked inside linebacker in the class of 2011, has elected to sign with the USC Trojans over home state Kentucky, as well as Tennessee and Oregon, according to SB Nation.
Dawson has very good size for the position at 6'2", and is an above average athlete. A combination that impressed Rivals when they watched him play during his senior season.
He is a huge linebacker who can run and is not afraid of contact. Dawson also has excellent ball skills and could be a difference-maker by intercepting passes and scoring rather than just falling to the ground. His overall athleticism will allow him to play more than one of the linebacker positions at the next level.
Lawson is a big get for the Trojans because he was a recruit that hadn't given any hints or tips about where he might sign. USC always had a good chance to get him, but it was far from a certainty. For more information on Lamar Dawson, head over to Conquest Chronicles for information on how he will effect the recruiting class as a whole. And for the National angle, check out SB Nation to find out what Dawson's commitment means for the teams that missed out on him.