From FoxSports.com:
1. OL Jeff Byers, USC
In terms of perseverance, you might need to break out a sixth star for Byers, who battled his way back from serious injuries to start at guard last season and play in 13 games. After looking like a blue-chipper as a true freshman in 2004, he missed all of 2005 and 2006 with torn cartilage in his hip and back problems, respectively. Byers played well in his first season back with USC, showing hints of why he was so highly touted coming out of high school, and laying the foundation for what should be an ever better final season.
Revised Rating: 2 stars
11. WR Fred Davis, USCRelatively anonymous through the first three years, Davis erupted his senior season, parlaying 62 catches for 881 yards and eight touchdowns into the 2007 Mackey Award. A rangy wide receiver coming out of Rogers (Ohio) High School, he added a few pounds and adjusted well as a seam-splitting tight end with a knack for making acrobatic grabs. The most prolific tight end in USC history, Davis should be plucked in one of the first two rounds of April’s NFL Draft.
Revised Rating: 4.5 stars
12. LB Keith Rivers, USCA three-year starter on the weakside, Rivers distinguished himself as one of the nation’s most complete linebackers, tough enough to defend the run and athletic enough to cover the pass. He finished his Trojan career with 240 tackles, twice earning first team All-Pac-10 honors, while getting plenty of All-America recognition a year ago. Destined to have a long career in the NFL, Rivers could be off the board by the end of the first round in April.
Revised Rating: 5 stars
13. DE Jeff Schweiger, USC
While Schweiger started fast as a true freshman, injuries and all that Trojan depth prevented him from ever carrving out any sustained level of excellence. He got buried on the depth chart, eventually opting last year to return home to San Jose, where he’ll play for Dick Tomey and the Spartans in 2008. In a different environment and against lesser competition, Schweiger has a second chance to impress pro scouts and add a couple of stars to his revised rating.
Revised Rating: 1.5 stars
Jeff Byers’ rating is too harsh on the fact that he still has two years left of eligibility (Jeff will gain an extra year from NCAA for medical reasons). When you consider that Jeff was the best offensive lineman we had last season and has a real possibility of being an All-American next season, you have to give the guy at least a 3-star rating.


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